JoAnn Deneff

With gratitude for her long life, combined with sorrow at its ending, we announce the peaceful passing on March 30, 2026 of our dear mother and grandmother JoAnn Elizabeth Deneff (née Harry) of Aurora, CO at the age of 99.

JoAnn was born on February 24, 1927 in La Crosse, WI to John and Emily (née Wirth) Harry. She was the youngest sibling of John, Lawrence, Joyce and Leon, who preceded her in death. She was united in marriage for 62 years to William Ivan Deneff until his death on December 2, 2010.

From their beginnings in Wisconsin, JoAnn and Ivan (as he was known to those in his youth) eventually made their way to Colorado via Illinois, along the way raising five children: Connie Tice, Debbie (Bruce) Mehlhop, Pam (Rick) Barela, Chris (Trudy) Deneff and Mike (Wendy) Deneff. Debbie and great-grandson Bo Andrew Deneff predeceased JoAnn.

JoAnn, whose favorite color was purple, was a long-time employee of the State of Colorado and a person of tremendous faith who worshipped at St. Therese Catholic Church for many decades. But we’ll remember her mostly as a devoted wife, a proud and guiding mother, and a loving grandmother/great-grandmother.

In addition to her four surviving children, those left to honor her memory include: eleven grandchildren [Colleen (Jeff) Contardi, Jennifer (Pat) Walker, Kevin (Jessica) Tice, Christine Mehlhop, Brian Mehlhop, Daniel (Kathy) Barela, Jessica (Brandon) Nicolas, Jake (Ashley) Deneff, Matt Deneff, Bo (Wendy) Deneff, and Cori (Lance) Hamilton]; 18 great-grandchildren [Kayla, Skyler and Jeremy Contardi; Olivia and Finn Tice; Ashlyn, Henry and Brianna Barela; Blake, Nash and Juliette Nicolas; Dakota (Jessica) Cornell, Justine (Matt) Dodson and Bristol Deneff; Samantha Floyd, and Braxton, Braydon and Branson Hamilton]; and two great-great grandchildren [Layla Cornell and Maybre Gail Dodson].

Visitation and recitation of the Rosary will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. immediately followed by the Rosary recitation) at Newcomer East Metro Chapel (190 Potomac St., Aurora, CO). A funeral and memorial Mass will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church (1243 Kingston St., Aurora, CO) on Thursday April 16 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment on Monday April 20 at 1:00 p.m. at Ft. Logan Cemetery in Denver.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Therese, the Archdiocese of Denver, or a charity of your choice.