JoAnn Fisk

JoAnn Fisk, 83, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Pioneer Ridge Independent Living. She was born on September 2, 1942, in Cherokee, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence “Tommy” and Aleene (Wilson) Thompson.

She is survived by her sons, Wade and Candi Cormaney, and Travis and Tracie Cormaney, and by her grandchildren, Ava and Reilley Moore Cormaney, Cale Cormaney, Carsyn Cormaney, and Elle Cormaney. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Tim Fisk.

To her family she was Jo, JoAnn, Momma, and Grandma—a strong, independent, spunky Midwestern woman whose conversations were peppered with colorful colloquialisms her grandchildren affectionately called “Grandma-isms.” She lived a full and excellent life, creating warmth wherever she went with her wonderful laugh and the clap of her hands that served as an exclamation point. Elegant yet playful, she was known for her carefully chosen outfits, colorful earrings, and the soft scent of warm vanilla that followed her. She had a rare gift for making ordinary days feel special and special days unforgettable, turning small moments into lifelong memories.

JoAnn filled her grandchildren’s lives with tap dances, craft projects, and early mornings baking coffee cake so no one’s “stomach would end up gnawing at their backbone.” She loved hunting and fishing for many years, proudly showing photos of the impressive fish she once caught. Her love appeared in spring-break visits, long lunches, Sunday dinners that gathered the family, and summers spent in the mountains sharing stories. Thoughtful, determined, and generous, she quietly made sacrifices to build a strong future for her family, believing that wishes alone were not enough. Above all, she was joy—expressed in snickering laughs, lingering hugs, and the sparkle in her eye when she watched her loved ones simply being themselves. She taught those around her to notice the beauty in everyday things and to live fully, resting at the end of the day “ten toes up.”

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that her family will carry forward in the traditions she cherished.