Jo passed away peacefully at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. Beloved wife of Rodney for 59 years, devoted mother to Ian (Glenda), their children Sydney and Cameron, and Lesley (John), and children Claire and Jack Hillis. Loving sister to Maria, Bridget (deceased) and Jennifer.

Jo entered the workforce in her hometown Nairobi, Kenya where she worked for the Kenyan government as a draftsperson. In fact, at that time she was one of the first women to hold a non-clerical role with the government.

She then moved to Canada to start a family, settling in Montreal, where she spent much of her adult life as a devoted stay-at-home mother to her two children. As they grew older and the family moved to Toronto (Oakville), she took on a variety of roles that played to her gregarious personality, where she could also utilize her excellent communications skills. Two highlights of her career were working for the Ontario Parole Board and obtaining her license to sell real estate, working in the latter for over 20 years.

Nevertheless, family was always Jo's priority, and one she was immensely proud of and devoted to. Her deep love for those closest to her was unwavering.

A private family service will take place at Mary Mother of God Parish in Oakville on Friday October 7 ^th . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Arthritis Society of Canada .