Joan Maya

Mrs. Joan Maya of Milwaukee, a loving wife, sister and aunt, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at Cedarburg Health Services in Cedarburg.  She was 76 years old.

Joan was born in Milwaukee on Jan. 5, 1949, the oldest daughter of Raymond Leannah Sr. and Leanor (nee Ambrose) Leannah.

She grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from St. Joan Antida High School with the Class of 1967.

On Feb. 5, 1988, she married Alberto Maya in Milwaukee.

For many years, Joan served as a dietary aide at Aurora Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, where her dedication and care for others shone brightly until her retirement in 2015 after 48 years. She took great pride in her work, often bringing smiles to the faces of those she served, and her commitment to nurturing not just bodies but spirits, will be fondly remembered.

A lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers, Joan’s enthusiasm for the team was infectious, bringing friends and family together for spirited game days filled with laughter and camaraderie. She found immense joy in playing cards with her friends at Milan Estates, creating treasured memories and lasting friendships.

Joan is survived by her husband Dr. Alberto Maya.  She was the “top dog” of her 14 brothers and sisters: Sue (Terry) Hiatt, Tom (Carmen) Leannah, Mike (Carmel) Leannah, Kathy (Jim) Kehoe, Steve (Dianne) Leannah, Denise (Wayne) Hilbert, Mary (Bill) Schopbach, David (Sheila) Leannah, Judeen (Kevin) Morgan, Patti (Randy) Rizzi, Bill (Angela) Leannah, Beth (Devlin) Simons, Terese (Matt) Schowalter and Ray (Mod) Leannah.

Joan is further survived by sisters and brothers-in-law Sandra M. (Rodolfo) De Garza, Armando (Liz) Maya, Pily (the late Wilfried) Poszpizily and Rodolfo (Alejandra) Maya, many nieces, nephews, aunts, other relatives and many friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her father and mother Raymond and Leanor Leannah, her stepmother Catherine Leannah, her sister-in-law Maria Leannah and her in-laws Rodolfo and Angela Maya.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington. Visitation will take place at the church from noon until the Mass.  Father Patrick Wendt will preside over the Mass.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Maya family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.