JoAnn F. DeLisle

Glenmont - JoAnn (“Jo”) F. DeLisle, 81 passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Albany Medical Center. Born and raised in the City of Albany, she was the daughter of Mabel Yetter and John J. Jennings. JoAnn was a 1963 graduate of Albany High School. Shortly after, she married and raised her three loving children.

JoAnn was a self-described city-girl. She loved her home and could often be found walking through the community whether it was a trip to Cardona’s, to mass at the Cathedral, or to her job as Office Manager at the NYS Assembly.

She was a source of joy to all who knew her. Quick to share a laugh and generous in all aspects of life. Her positive nature was contagious, leading her to make friends everywhere she went. She cherished her life-long friendships, and the many letters, phone calls (she spoke every night to her beloved and devoted friend Doris Stacey), and memories that came with them. She always looked forward to taking trips, and camera in hand, she documented the people she loved, filling albums with photos of trips to Wildwood, the Catskills, and beyond.

As a devout Roman Catholic, JoAnn spent many years as a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. There she served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Church Board, and a docent, dedicating time to her faith and unwavering belief in community service. Her faith led her to her first international trip, traveling to visit Medjugorje, a Catholic pilgrimage site. This trip sparked a passion for travel, leading her on many adventures, including her life-long goal of visiting Ireland, where, with her daughter, she immersed herself fully in Irish culture, reconnecting with her Irish heritage, enjoying her Guinness, traveling around the countryside, and singing the songs she grew up with.

Above all, JoAnn loved and cherished her family, always making time for them and especially anticipating moments spent with her grandchildren. She always looked forward to celebrating the holidays with her loved ones, whether she was hosting Thanksgiving, baking spritz cookies, passing on her Chex mix secrets, or decorating her prized Christmas tree. She also shared with them her love for new experiences, taking road trips, initiating family vacations to Maine, and attending zoos and aquariums. But most importantly JoAnn passed on her ever-optimistic spirit, often saying “we’re not lost, it’s an adventure”.

Survivors include her children Teresa Edwards, Christopher (Lynn) DeLisle, Peter Edwards and her seven grandchildren, Angela (Matt), Cameron, Kateri, John, Bryan, Anthony and Jaclyn. As well as two great grandchildren Tyler and Cora, also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother Mabel (Yetter) Jennings, her father John J. Jennings, her siblings, Jack Jennings, Sandra Battaglia, Robert Jennings, Michael Jennings, Arlene Fissette, William Jennings, and her cherished son Marc DeLisle whom she missed beyond words.

The family would like to thank our cousin, Jody Norfleet, for her dedication to caring for and supporting our JoAnn whenever we could not. Jody was always there to lend a helping hand. Whether it required getting JoAnn to appointments or running errands, her company was always welcomed and appreciated.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with JoAnn’s family on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 4-7pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday February 26, 2026 at 10 am in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 125 Eagle St. Albany.
The Rite of Committal will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.