Jo Ann Peak, a resident of Colorado Springs from 1959 to 2024, resided in the Atlanta area near family until her passing on September 2, 2026.
Jo Ann was born on August 31, 1933, to Sophy and Steve Norovich in West Frankfort, Illinois, and attended school there. She married Dexter Robert Peak, her high school sweetheart, in 1954 (deceased 2017). She received a B.S. in Education with minors in English and Geography from Southern Illinois University (SIU) and a Masters for teachers in Liberal Arts from Colorado College.
After college Jo Ann moved to Alaska where Dexter served in the Air Force. Jo Ann taught school and played oboe in the Alaska symphony before they eventually moved to Colorado. She was a respected and admired teacher for 30 years for elementary and junior high students in Colorado Springs schools including Longfellow, Stratton, East, Carver and Holmes. She was an active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority (Gamma Chapter) for women educators and a lifetime member of Sertoma. She also enjoyed playing oboe in the Colorado Springs Community Band. With her love of music, both she and her husband were members of the Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society. In her early years, Jo Ann worked her way through school by helping her father at the Table Pride Bakery in West Frankfort and eventually assisted him on weekends in his bakery in Colorado Springs. She is known for making delicious cookies and decorated cakes. With her many talents, she was first and foremost a wonderful wife and mom, grandmother, friend, and dedicated teacher.
She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Elaine (Peak) Williams and husband, James David Williams; two grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann Dickson and Mark David Williams; niece, Julie (Peak) Hightower and husband, David Hightower.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.