Has anyone here ever seen a picture of Jo Ann when she was not smiling or laughing?... I really don’t think one exists... And how many of you here remember calling Mike and Jo Ann’s house, and hearing the friendliest voice imaginable answer that phone?...

Jo Ann was always upbeat.... nothing ever got her down. Even when her cancer returned, I remember her saying, in an interview, "I am not going to let this get me down, I have the inner strength to beat this. I always have a good attitude, it helps me, and in return, rubs off on everyone else." Can’t you still hear Jo Ann saying this?... and you know, she did beat it... she pushed aside the depression and sadness that could be associated with this illness, and smiled and laughed all the way through. She did beat it... because right now she is in heaven, healthier and happier than many of us here today, and her life is going on. She is looking down on us right now thinking, "Why do you Catholics eat so many pies and cakes?... You eat them at every function." You may also hear her saying, "I checked here in heaven, and there is no rule about sending my sons to school in short socks."

How many of you here today, hug your customers, when they leave your store?... Well, if you ever had Jo Ann cut your hair, you couldn’t leave without a hug, or a kiss on the cheek... If I was having a bad day, I’d call Jo Ann to get a haircut just so I could laugh and have a good time... Jo Ann’s favorite coffee mug said... " I’m a beautician, not a magician." Sorry Jo Ann, that wasn’t true... you truly performed magic on everyone around you.

Yes we will all miss Jo Ann... but we have to believe and we have to know that she in spirit remains with all of us, especially the closest and dearest to her... Chris, your mother will be with you this summer, when Joel comes home... Carmen, Sarah, ... she’ll be right by your side, when someday you walk down the aisle and continue your lives as young beautiful brides... Michael, your Mom will be with you when you turn 16 and get your license... (so be careful). and Matt, look over your shoulder, because Mom will be there when you kiss your first girlfriend...(even if that has happened already.)... Linda and Barbara, you still and always will have a sister, ask her for advice, cry on her shoulder, she wants you to and she always will... Rudy, Delores, Ed and Betty, Jo Ann was special to everyone here today, and she can’t wait to be with you again someday, but for now, take care of your families here, and hug them twice as hard for Jo Ann... And finally my cousin Mike... you are like the brother I never had, and I will do anything I can to ease your pain, and make the days ahead bright, and full of promise... Jo Ann will always be apart of you, she will encourage you in all the decisions that need to be made with this beautiful family of yours... She will even be there for you someday to tell you it’s okay as a young man, to move on with your life.

Thank you Jo Ann for making our world, our lives brighter than we ever thought possible.