Joanne Savich

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of Joanne Savich, 89, of Momence, who peacefully returned to her Lord and savior on August 2, 2026. Joanne was born in Momence, Illinois to Raymond M. Leinen, Sr. and Minnie Junker. She was a homemaker, ballroom dancer, and hair stylist who took pride in nurturing her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often bragging about them to anyone who would listen, including unwitting gas station attendants who could not escape her enthusiasm. Above all, she was known for her crushing hugs, excitable personality, and her love of “taking the scenic route.” Joanne cherished her close family, fostering a deep connection over meals both home cooked and catered. Her most famous home cooked meal was a mean fried chicken with milk gravy—which she often brought cold to feed her family on picnics. She was also famous for snacking on Brach’s Trail Mix while shopping then paying for the half-eaten bag at the checkout. She also had a love affair with bread, which earned her the nickname “Bread Basket.” Joanne could often be found in her den resting on the couch watching soap operas or listening to big band music in her kitchen while dipping near-burnt buttered toast into her coffee. She was survived by her sister Jane Hand of Naples, FL; her brother Raymond (Anne) Leinen, Jr. of Watseka, IL; her daughter Debbie (Jeff) Johnston of Momence, IL; her grandchildren Emily (Justin) Hayse of Diamond, IL; Amanda (Travis) Buchanan of Fishers, IN; Jacob Johnston of Champaign, IL; and her great grandchildren Felix and Sophie Hayse of Diamond, IL. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her daughter Jolene Savich Newgent, and her sisters Janet Smith Denoyer and Jean Bishir. Services will be held at First Baptist Church on Monday, August 10, 2026. A visitation will take place from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM with a funeral service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Fibromyalgia Association. “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”

Joanne Savich

November 22, 1936 - August 2, 2026

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