Obituary of Jo Ann Lebeck

Lebeck, JoAnn (Sanders), age 85, of Simi Valley, CA, left this world to meet her Lord on July 8, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family. She is survived by her eleven children, Richard, Dana, Julia, Shaun, Matthew, Kevin, Terrence, Erin, Robert, Christy, and Joshua; and 20 grandchildren. She was married to Richard A. Lebeck of Los Angeles, CA in 1959 and they moved to Simi Valley in 1961.

Listing genealogical references and worldly accomplishments are typical of most obituaries but that doesn't convey the extraordinary essence of my mother's simple yet impactful life. In her youth, her dark red hair and sea-green eyes gave her a mystical quality; attributes that caught the eye of my father. But her most valuable asset was her beautiful Spirit. It is what we will miss the most.

She often told us of her early adoption of faith in Christ. It was a stabilizing force that guided her through this life and gave her the strength to face the challenges of living in a world that was often unkind. This wisdom was more precious than gold and the most treasured gift she could think to give to us.

A voracious reader, she somehow expanded her energies to find the necessary tools to guide and protect her family. She was a bright Light that sought to drive away the darkness in our lives. We were her life - her everything. We saw her as our rock and she never failed to support us with every ounce of strength she possessed.

She was a humble woman to the end. She has no tales of traveling to exotic places and there are no awards and accomplishments to list. However, her creative gifts included a passion for singing, painting, knitting, and most important of all, commanding that creativity born of love to meet the complex needs of each of her children. A daunting task that she carried out until her body and mind could no longer bear the weight of it. Yet, even in her weakened capacity she listened and gave what comfort she could.

Her strength in later years may have been diminished but the beauty of her soul never dimmed. It will continue to shine on us all and we are forever grateful to the woman that we were so blessed to call mom.