
Joanne Kandel Leaf, 95, of Savannah, Georgia entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, surrounded by her family in her home of 64 years.
Joanne was born to Harry and Estelle Kandel and raised in downtown Savannah. She graduated from Savannah High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia State College for Women in 1951. She spent her career educating students in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, most notably at Butler Elementary School where she met her forever friend Debbie Debrauwere. Joanne’s greatest accomplishment, however, was raising 5 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Hunter.
Joanne leaves behind to be grateful for her love, laughter, and wisdom, her children, Hunter (Joyce Ann) Leaf III, Jan (Johnnie) Wiggins, Harry Leaf, Kathy Leaf, and Karen (Terry) Otto; her grandchildren, Chris (Amanda) Jenkins, Blake (Beth Ann) Jenkins, Clint (Kate) Jenkins, Joanna (Trey) Brooks, Whitney (Derek) Hamm, Jordan (McKenzie) Cicero-Otto, Skylar Leaf, and Isabelle Leaf; and great-grandchildren, Jacie Jenkins, Randy Jenkins, Collyn Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Taylor Jenkins, Case Jenkins, James Brooks, Matthew Hamm, Hunter Brooks, Lizzie Hamm, Piper Brooks, and Marin Brooks, as well as many others who affectionately called her “Nana”.
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Hunter Leaf Jr., her parents, Harry and Estelle Kandel, her sister and brother-in-law, Phillippa and Bob Paddison, her brother and sister-in-law George and Nancy Kandel, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nancy and Saxon Wolfe, her son-in-law, Randy Jenkins, her daughter-in-law, Cathy Leaf, and her granddaughter, Annie Cogdell.
Joanne was a big fan of black coffee, crossword puzzles, Braves baseball, black licorice Jelly Beans, and a good Old Fashioned, but she wasn’t much for being the center of attention. Therefore, a private memorial service will be held to honor her wishes and her legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 2 St. Thomas Avenue, Savannah, Ga 31406, where Joanne was known and loved as “The Cookie Lady”.
Offer Condolence for the family of Joanne Kandel Leaf May 4, 1930 – March 31, 2026
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