Jo Ann Relyea

1948 - 2012

Jo Ann Hemsted Relyea

Highland, NY - Jo Ann Hemsted Relyea, a long time resident of Wappingers Falls and current resident of Highland, passed on Thursday, November 8, 2012. She was 64.

Born in 1948 to the late Robert Hemsted of Durango, CO and June Monette Hemstead of St. Paul, MN, she was predeceased by her brother Jimmy Hemstead. Her memory is carried on by her sister Barbara Jean Smith of Miami, FL., and her brother Jeff Hemstead of Eureka, CA.

Jo is survived by two children; Deste Relyea, currently of Highland, N.Y., and Ryan Relyea and his wife Jennifer Relyea currently of Philadelphia, PA. Ron Relyea, her former husband, of Wappingers Falls, was a continued loyal friend and supporter.

Jo's life was one of travel, love, and friendship. Born in California, she lived her childhood years in places as diverse as Cairo, Egypt and Oklahoma. Later in life, her wanderlust took her on travels throughout the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and more. She loved entertaining in Cape Cod, and treasured time spent with friends and family. She will be remembered lovingly and greatly missed by those who knew her.

Jo spent her life surrounded by friends and family who helped her raise two healthy and beautiful children and pursue a fulfilling career in accounting. She loved spending time outdoors, listening to live music, skiing, and was an avid knitter and book enthusiast. She also volunteered her time and energy giving back to the communities to which she belonged.

In addition to those people she loved and thanked, she would also have wanted to give thanks to those who helped her in her final days, including her friends and family at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, where she spoke in support of Mesothelioma cancer research at their symposiums. She would also liked to thank Dr. Lee Krug and all of her nurses and physicians at Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, her caregivers and aids from Hospice of Dutchess and Ulster County, ans all the friends and family who supported her during this transition.

Memorial services will be held at Delehanty Funeral Home, 64 E. Main St., Wappingers Falls, on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, or gifts, donations can be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation at www.curemeso.org or by calling (877)363-6376. To send a condolence or for directions, visit www.delehantyfuneral.com