Joann Sherwood Leighton passed from our sight peacefully in the care of VNA Hospice on November 12, 2014.
She was born 1932 in Montreal Canada to Elsie and Richard Williscroft and was the loving wife of 31 years to William Leighton until his passing in 1998.
Joann was passionate throughout each phase of her life. She began her career dancing first for the Canadian Ballet then was invited to dance on stages for an exclusive supper club circuit traveling throughout Canada, New York and Boston. During that time she began studies in Yoga and founded the first Ashram in Belmont, Mass 1965. With a gift for sharing her knowledge and talents she conducted Yoga retreats, published articles and books and developed a televised series bringing news of Yoga from the East to West.
Retiring to Sebastian, Florida, she continued her life's work for another 19 years through her Yoga for Life classes and teacher training in Barefoot Bay, Roseland, Sebastian and Vero Beach.
Joann's life made a difference for many people. She is fondly remembered by brother in law, John (Jack) Leighton of Wakefield Massachusetts; special Shitzu Shar-Li, close friends and yoga students. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Williscroft.
A Memorial Service will be announced in the near future. A Memorial fund will be established for the erection of a permanent local monument honoring her life's work.
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