Remembering Jo Ann Mann

I am so happy that I had the opportunity to know Jo Ann for the past 10 years. The word that comes to mind whenever I think of her is grand. She was a grand lady. Not grand like most would think of someone or something but simply in the way she carried herself and the integrity she had as a person. I used to love to listen to her tell stories about her family and how she would always refer to her mother as 'mother'. She could be heard telling a story about getting in trouble as a kid and that 'mother' was not happy or 'mother' used to say this or that. It was very endearing to hear and always made me think of a time in the past when children had the utmost respect for their parents and elders. It is a lovely memory of her that I'll carry with me always. I loved chatting with Jo Ann, she was well versed on so many subjects; from politics to fashion, there wasn't much that she did not have knowledge of. Visiting her in her little sitting room was always special like being transported to another time. I will miss her very much and can only image for her family that have known her decades longer, how much the loss of her is felt. My heart goes out to my dear friend Tena and the entire family. I believe as long as we hold a special place in our hearts for the ones we've lost, they live on through our memories. I will be keeping my memories of Jo Ann in my heart always. With love and deepest condolences. Robin

Posted by Robin Andrade Gringorten on November 18, 2016

Jo Ann was a terrific shot. She learned shooting a 22 rifle with her younger brother Bob in the basement of their home a block from Butler University (Indianapolis ) which she later attended as president of her sorority Alpha-Chi. Years later when we'd visit them in Bloomington (IN), I remember her scaring the squirrels away from her bird feeders with a pump action pellet pistol. She stopped when one day she actually hit one. We have a picture someplace of Jo Ann in curlers with her morning coffee re-loading. I need to find that one 🙂

Posted by Joe Scarpato III on November 15, 2016

Tena and family, So very sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved her. Even though I only met her a few times, she was always a delight. She was indeed an example for all of us to eliminate to be. Tena, I know every mother, especially yours, would be thrilled to have you as such a lovely, caring daughter. Hugs

Posted by Susan Lounsbury on November 11, 2016

I always called her "Nana Manna" to distinguish her as Nana Mann because of the fact that I was so blessed to have all of my grandparents be such integral pieces in my life growing up, and she was just that. My first memories of her and my "Pops" were their first visit to our house on Beaver St. (Every visit they brought me a new toy so I was enamoured) where she brought a red spoon shaped like an airplane and she fed me with it whooshing around the room. She called me her "little bubble bug boy," because I had a ride on caterpillar bubble blower ?. As I got older we went out and visited IN more and I'll never forget the awesome dinners and potatoes au gratin she'd stir up. We'd all watch celtics and IU games together and listen to pops say "GOOD NIGHT" every other sentence laughing. Nana always instilled this confidence in me. I knew how much she loved Pops and I could always tell that she saw him in me and was so proud of it. She would always compliment my darker/heavy metal/rock and roll sense of fashion and compare it to hers saying "we just look good in dark colors" with a wink. I'll never forget the time I got my first real job and I went and picked her up from her apartment in Ashland and brought her out to dinner just us two. She was so proud to be my grandmother and had my FSU basketball newspaper article hanging framed on her wall when I picked her up. I really wish I was around more the past few years but life is tricky that way. I think I made sure she knew I loved her in her last days and all I can think is how happy she must be with Pops now.

Posted by Rob Scarpato on November 9, 2016

As a 20 year old when I first started dating Tena, Roy was a bit "scary", but I always had an ally in Jo Ann. Maybe she appreciated that I always came with a rose for Mom as well as her daughter. I knew early in I was in the right family when, I'd come down at 7am and find my mother-in-law watching ESPN-2 cup of coffee in hand. She religiously followed Indiana basketball and insisted we subscribe to the "Big-10 channel". How many mothers-in-law can fill out your NCAA bracket for you? You look like "you've been drug through a knothole backward", she'd say when I returned from playing hoops or a long day on the links. How many pars did you get? any birdies? I know she didn't like golf but she knew I did, so she'd humor me. Jo Ann definitely had more than her fair share of physical ailments but she stayed sharp as a tack till the very end. "Joe, Getting old is NOT for sissies". She was right about that but she pulled it off with as much grace and dignity as anyone could have.

Posted by Joe Scarpato III on November 8, 2016

My grandmommy was such a lovely woman. I have so many amazing memories that I will hold dear forever. I was blessed to have all of my grandparents growing up. We had many, many visits and holidays at their house in Bloomington. We have also done our fair share of traveling together, including our trek up to lake Kezar in Maine and our trip to duck, NOrth CArolina. I remember sitting on her bed watching her get ready in the morning and how meticulous she was about her hair and makeup, jewelry and fashion. She would always give me her Clinique samples and let me look through her jewelry- she\'d tell me about every piece and which trip or occasion it was bought on- usually a gift from granddaddy. She was an amazing woman and an especially amazing grandma. I will miss you, nana, but I know your heart is with me always. I\'m so glad you are where you want to be- with grandad! Rest in heaven.

Posted by Cassie Bisig (mann) on November 8, 2016

The Bloomington Chapter of DAR was saddened to learn about the passing of your Mother, Jo Ann. Several of the older members remember her quite fondly as being positive, very helpful, active and kind with everyone. Please accept our sincerest condolences at this difficult time. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Posted by Charisse Hughes on November 7, 2016

As I was going through some of my Mom\'s things, looking for a condolence card that she got when my Father passed away, I found a Mother\'s Day card that she had right there on top of her dresser. The particular card that I was looking for, she always referred to as that \"butterfly card\". For some reason, she really liked the sentiment it held. Maybe the card that I was really looking for, was the one I found. It\'s message pretty much sums up how I felt about her. \"I love being your daughter...because it means I have a role model who lives a life that inspires me, a friend who shares her heart and soul with me...and a Mom who means the world to me\" She always amazed me with her young spirit. I think it was two years ago that she tackled the whole series of the Game of Thrones books on her Nook. She was never afraid to learn a new technology and even took a computer class a few years back, so she could type my Dad\'s book about his life growing up an orphan in Kentucky. She was always a lady, dressing fashionably and loving her jewelry. She was a fantastic cook and seamstress. I remember when I was taking Home Economics in high school and she thought it was ridiculous that my teacher was making me finish off my seam edges - pinking shears weren\'t enough. She finished off the edges, which was a good thing since it was a jumpsuit! She sewed all of our cheerleading skirts for our uniforms. She loved her family history and did much research in order to be accepted into the D.A.R. She was a lover of American history and knew amazing facts off the top of her head. She told amazing stories about Granddaddy and his experiences working on the Pennsylvania Railroad. She had fascinating stories about living through the depression and what life was like at that time. Whenever I forgot who a relative was, she would explain the relationship and there were many times I wished I had recorded everything because there\'s no way you could ever remember it all. She had funny sayings like, \"That never stopped a galloping horse\" or \"After you, me first\". I could go on and on, but one thing I have to say is never take that knowledge for granted. I\'d find as time went by, she\'d go off on these wonderful storytelling missions and I sat fascinated. Above all, she was a generous, loving person. She always took care in everything she did, whether it was washing dishes or wrapping a gift. Little signs of her care and beauty are all around the rooms she shared with us and I will treasure her forever.

Posted by Christena Scarpato on November 7, 2016

Tena, I'm so glad we the opportunity to know your mom. We always enjoyed seeing her at family functions, and she always seemed to have a smile on her face. We will miss her. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Joe & Teresa

Posted by Joe Scarpato on November 7, 2016

Dear Tena, Joe, Rob and John.....Our family gatherings won't be the same without your mother's outward serenity and inward twinkle of humor and intelligence. Ed and I always enjoyed talking with her, and watching her look at all of you with such pride and love. Take good care. Love, Liz

Posted by Liz on November 6, 2016

Tena, Joe, Rob, John, Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. Her quiet grace and warmth will be greatly missed at our family gatherings. Peace and Love Eddie and Lynda Merullo

Posted by Eddie and Lynda on November 5, 2016

Tena, our love goes out to you and the family. Your Mom was such a warm, loving, gracious woman! I always enjoyed chatting with her at family events, and seeing her beautiful smile. She will be so greatly missed. All our sympathy and love, Karen and PaulAl

Posted by Karen Merullo Shiebler on November 5, 2016