National MSA Research

Joanne Maree Dwyer born 6 April 1961 together with her twin sister Jennifer. Daughter to Bill and Gwen Calder. Sister to big brother Stephen and little sister Tanya.

Jo was such a very strong, kind, compassionate and humorous soul. There will never be another woman like her.

Raised in Boronia, Victoria, Jo attended various primary schools including Fairhills State School in Ferntree Gully, Bayswater South and Studfield East. In high school Jo attended Knox Tech.

In 1968 Jo and Jen starred in the "In Melbourne Tonight Show" hosted by Graham Kennedy, which was a Mary Poppins Segment playing Jane and Mary Banks.

Jo was competitive and loved her sport. In her teens, she was a very good softball player. Later on, she turned to tennis and tenpin bowling. She’d also play the acoustic guitar with Jen and play for the local boys home. 

Jo loved adventure. She met Greg in the mid 80’s they traveled across Europe and eloped in Vienna, Austria in 1988. They had three daughters, Alyce, Louise and Olivia. They purchased their family home in Wantirna South where they raised their girls. While the girls were growing up, Jo dedicated herself to the St Jude’s Parish community where her girls went to primary school. She was the first woman on the finance committee and also worked as a teacher’s aide at the school supporting children with disabilities. Jo loved to volunteer at the school for tuckshop duties, hosting fundraisers and toy library events.

Jo had various jobs in accounts payable and loved numbers. She was very interested in finance and in 2000 Jo achieved an Advanced Diploma of Business in Accounting and in 2013, a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking. She loved to help people and this would help her in her chosen career. Jo was such a driven and enthusiastic entrepreneur who wanted to make a difference in many people's lives.

Approximately 20 years ago Jo was struck down with Breast Cancer. Jo and the family battled through this. Jo went through a tough period but she never let it beat her. It was quite the battle with multiple treatments and surgeries. In the end, she won. Jo was a fighter. A very strong and determined woman.

After a period of time Jo purchased her own home in Scoresby and not long after moved to Berwick. Whilst at Berwick, Jo was involved in the local community, worked at the local bank and she dedicated time to the Berwick Rotary Club. During this time Jo welcomed three beautiful grandchildren Heath, Cora and Jagger. She was a very loving and dedicated Mother and Nanny. 

Jo loved her dogs. Her favourite number was 22, favourite colour blue and her favourite place to shop was Bunnings. She was also a very passionate Richmond Tigers supporter and a wonderful friend. Jo loved the ocean, had great taste in music and was often the life of the party. She was an independent, fun loving and loved to travel - with recent adventures covering China and Bali. Some of her favourite local places in Victoria include the Morning Peninsula and Daylesford.

In October 2025 Jo was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). The doctors advised her there was no cure. Jo took this in her stride and nothing was going to hold her back. She always had a smile on her face and organised an incredible bucket list trip to Japan in April.

With only 2 days left of her cruise in Japan, Jo sadly passed away. Her loyal friends and sister stayed by her side until the very end. Her daughters then travelled to Japan to bring her home.

MSA didn’t take away her spirit. Jo lived life fully and will always be remembered. Both Jo and her family would be so appreciative for donations towards the research of this rare condition to be able to find a cure. Thank you for your support.