Grandma Jo was more than just a grandmother; she was the heart of our family, the anchor who held us together, and a living testament to the power of love, patience, and generosity.
One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of Grandma Jo is her unwavering hospitality. It didn’t matter if she was expecting you or if you were just stopping by—she was always ready to feed you. As an adult, I was never allowed to walk into her house without being offered a sandwich, or whatever she had on hand, because feeding people was one of the ways she showed her love. Her kitchen was always warm, just like her heart.
Grandma Jo had a beautiful sense of humor, and I’ll always remember the lighthearted jokes she shared with Grandpa. Their bond was something special—through the years and through all the challenges, especially when Grandpa’s memory began to fade due to dementia, Grandma’s patience and love never wavered. She took care of him with such grace, always there to offer comfort, laughter, and understanding. The way she cared for him, even in his most difficult moments, showed a love deeper than words.
One of Grandma Jo’s most unique traits was her dedication to staying connected with all of us, no matter where we were. She was famous for commenting on every single post we made on Facebook. No matter what the update was, whether a simple photo or a big life moment, Grandma Jo was right there with a thoughtful comment, always making us feel seen and loved. Her presence on social media was a reminder that, even in the virtual world, she was never far away. She was invested in our lives, and we could always count on her for a kind word or a playful response.
With 50 grandchildren, it’s no easy task to remember each one by name, but Grandma Jo could do it without hesitation. She never missed a chance to tell us how proud she was of each of us. Her memory was sharp, and her love was even sharper. She saw us all as individuals, and no matter how many of us there were, we always felt like we were the most important person in the room when we were with her.
She was the embodiment of Christlike love and charity. I truly believe she understood the purpose of coming to this earth—to serve, to love, and to uplift those around her. She lived out these values every day, with a heart so full of kindness and generosity. Her life was a living example of what it means to love unconditionally, to be patient in times of trial, and to always put others first. She was the type of person who saw the good in everyone and brought out the best in all of us.
Her home was a haven of warmth and joy. Whether it was her legendary cooking, her soft laughter, or her sage advice, everything about her was welcoming. You could always count on her to offer a kind word or a gentle hug, and those moments will forever be etched in my heart. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel special, even in a crowd of fifty.
Grandma Jo taught me how to embrace being a stepmother, to show love not only to my own children, but to those who are not biologically mine. She always embraced everyone as family, and I often felt that her mantra as a mother was, “not step, not half, just family.” Her love knew no bounds, and she made sure that everyone who entered her life felt accepted, valued, and loved as part of the family. She lived by the example that love doesn’t come with conditions or labels; it’s unconditional, boundless, and inclusive.
I once saw Grandma Jo’s birthday list. She kept a legal pad filled with pages of birthdays for all her family members, a constant reminder of how much she cared about each of us. What was truly remarkable was that once you were on her list, you were never taken off—no matter what. She added spouses, and kept them on even when they became exes, always showing that family is forever. It was just one more way she showed us that love doesn’t end, and that no matter the circumstances, we are always part of her family.
Grandma Jo taught us the importance of family, of kindness, of never taking a single moment for granted. She lived a life full of love and devotion, and her legacy will live on in each of us—her 50 living grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and beyond. Grandma Jo’s love reached all of us, those with her today and those who have gone before.
I will save my last voicemail from Grandma Jo forever. Her voice will always be with me, a reminder of the love, warmth, and care she poured into every word and every moment she shared. Even though she is no longer physically here, that voicemail is a treasure, holding her spirit and love for me, and for all of us, forever.
Grandma Jo, you were one of a kind. Your love was a gift we will cherish for the rest of our lives. While we may not have you physically with us anymore, we know you are still here in our hearts, guiding us, loving us, and reminding us of what truly matters. Thank you for being the incredible woman you were, and for showing us what it means to love unconditionally. You will forever be missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Grandma Jo. We love you.
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