November 3, 1940 – August 30, 2026

Johana Maria Novak LeBlanc, known to her family and friends as Joan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the age of 85. Joan was born in New York to Gertrude Karrenbach and Anton Novak, immigrants from Germany and Austria. Her family later moved to South San Francisco, when her father was transferred to the Navy shipyard.
After graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in Communications, Joan became a stewardess with Pan Am Airlines. It was there that she met pilot Jean-Jacques “JJ” LeBlanc. They married on December 31, 1966, and shared 53 years together until JJ’s passing in 2020.
Joan lived life to the fullest. She had a passion for travel and loved creating memories with her family and friends. Lake Tahoe was truly her home, where she raised her family and remained until her passing. She treasured her life at the lake, loved a good game of cards, laughter, and, of course, a glass of champagne. She will be remembered most for her love of life and the happiness she found in being with the people she loved.
Joan is survived by her children and their spouses, Dominique and Kathlene LeBlanc, and Nicole and Derrick Hamner; her stepson and his wife, Jean and Oksana LeBlanc; and her nine grandchildren, Tommy, Angelina, Lera, Sophia, Berit, Garen, Michelle, Gabrielle, and Jean-Luc. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jean-Jacques “JJ” LeBlanc, her stepdaughter, Jacqueline LeBlanc Maurino and her sister, Gertrude Novak Malfatti.
Joan will be laid to rest on September 15, 2026 at 1:00pm, at Walton’s Funeral Home, Sierra Chapel, 875 W. Second Street, Reno. A Celebration of Life will follow at her son’s home in Washoe Valley.