Joanna Martha Callanan

Joanna Callanan, 66, of Chevy Chase, went home to God on Thursday June 2nd at 7:00 pm, following a long fight against glioblastoma. She was born August 12, 1955 in Washington, DC. 

In addition to being a loving mother and doting grandmother, Joanna owned a home improvement business, Callanan Construction, for many years. Her clients became friends as close as family. In 2013, she transitioned to working for Montgomery County Public Schools as a school bus driver, and later, route supervisor, a job she very much loved. She liked to travel with her friends, and was an avid gardener, helping her children and neighbors to start their own plots. Her sense of humor and generous spirit will always be cherished by those who knew her. 

She is survived by her children: daughter Jessica McLeod and her partner Quincy Hill, son Matthew McLeod and his wife Brittany, and daughter Megan Callanan and her partner Preston Porter.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Korey McLeod, Hailey Hill, Adrian Hill, Aaron Hill, Mackenzie McLeod, Logan McLeod, and Milo. 

She is predeceased by her parents, Philip and Audrey Bayer. She is also survived by her siblings, brother Philip Bayer and his wife Linda, brother Charles Bayer and his partner Patricia McHugh, sister Barbara Means and her husband James, sister Carolyn Bayer-Broring and her husband Thomas, and her housie, Patricia Niven. 

A memorial mass will be held on August 12th at 11 AM, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 9705 Summit Ave, Kensington, MD 20895. Visitation will begin prior to the funeral at 10 AM. The family will be there to greet relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Joanna’s family asks that you make a donation to the Glioblastoma Foundation in her name, or complete an act of kindness for someone in need, as she often did.