jo

JoAnn Blaisdell Warr

1946 ~ 2011

"Jo - JoBear - Jo mombee"

Jo would walk into a room and the sun would brighten, moods would improve, children were made happy. At home, Sunday the 25th, 2011, surrounded by many loved ones, we lost Jo to that brutal enemy cancer. That much used term "a courageous battle" certainly applied to her. We loved her dearly and will miss her so much.

Teaching was her passion and it showed in the love and hugs from all of her many students. She loved them all in return. Her skill and effectiveness in teaching is shown in the future lives of close to the 1000 students that she taught over 35 years.

After teaching she was happiest traveling. Roaming Europe with hubby or relaxing in Mexico with her brood. All 12 of us were in Mexico on a wonderful trip two months before the devastating news. She also thoroughly enjoyed the west desert, Moab, Zions, or whatever hot spring we could find, soaking with Dan and Birdeen until our toes got wrinkled.

Music was another pleasure, whether being the most animated singer in a choir, rocking out at Red Butte, or listening to her I-pod.

Jo is survived by her husband George; children Jamie Justet (Matt and Jersie), Jeff Larson (Annie and Grace, Lily, Ruby), Mike Larson (Monica); brothers Steven Blaisdell (Cindy), David Blaisdell (Ginger), Ron Blaisdell (Carla) and sister Barbara Christensen (Scott). Also, all of the much loved Warr clan, 1 ex and family, many cousins, nieces, and extended family. For all of the support of Steve, Marsha, Judy, and Charlotte, many thanks.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Mountain Oaks Ward, 11570 So. Wasatch Blvd. Friends may visit Friday, September 30, 2011 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy and also at the church one hour prior to services. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund for the education of her four grandchildren. For information, please contact a family member. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com

radiant jo

Dear Jo,


I have wanted to take the time to share something with you. For obvious reasons, you have been on my mind often. The past few times that you have been in the salon for your appointments with me, I have felt very emotional. Tears very near the surface, and a few times some have escaped as we have spent our time together. The first couple visits, I attributed the emotions to sadness for what you have to endure, to the fear of the unknown, to the high emotions of your kids, especially Jamie. Also, to the pain that you have been experiencing, and all the obvious multiple other changes that have forced your vibrant lifestyle to shift to a place you never expected to be, or asked to take over. Although these are all reasons for tears and emotions, last week when you were in, and I was feeling this emotion, something shifted inside of me. After you left I was thinking a lot. I realized that I had been labeling these feelings wrongly. What I have really been feeling when I have been in your presence is love. A love that is so overwhelming, it brings tears. It is different from love that I have known because it is not a parent-child love, a spousal love, a friendship love, or an animal love, because I have felt those loves before, and this is different. What I have felt when I am around you is a divine love. It overwhelms me, because of its all encompassing presence, but I love it. Even if you do not know it, you carry divine love everywhere you are. I don’t know if you have been told this, but if not, it doesn’t mean others are not feeling it.
Thank you for your example of bravery, of courage, and of acceptance. I have loved and enjoyed you so much, from the first time I met you. And, over the time that I have spent around you, I have learned a lot about the type of mother I want to someday become. Really, I have. And, since April, I have learned more from you. Simply because of the way you have approached what has been dealt.
Because of the person you have been your whole life, an amazing amount of people are in your cheering section. For that reason, I am convinced that there is divine power continuously flowing around you. It brings out beauty when you don’t feel it, courage when you don’t have it, strength when yours is gone, and radiant love surrounding you full-time. All of which, those around you are privileged to feel along with you. I thank you for this. My one true hope and wish is that this experience will be over soon for you, but that the love that surrounds you will continue on, even after your body is once again whole. And I know this will happen. You are going to get better.

My season tickets for this season of your life have already been purchased, and I’m one of those in your cheering section. It’s an honor to be a part.

--- I sent this letter to her in June, just a few months after her diagnosis.  I was so sure she would beat it, and heal.  Sometimes, hope is all you have to hang onto.  And, sometimes, things unravel much different than hoped.  Now, it's time for acceptance.  She is gone.  But, not really.  She marked my heart forever.

need a project

So, I have a project bug.  I was sick of our light blue comforter, but couldn't decide on what I wanted to do.  So, when in doubt, go white.  And, that's what I did.  I REALLY want to paint the MBR walls, and therefore the bath.  I just can't find the right color.  I want subtle and soft, not white, not taupe.  I'm thinking light grayish, greenish, blueish.

Any suggestions? 

golden gate and lombard

It wouldn't be a complete trip without a visit to the bridge.

and, the windiest street in America: Lombard.

10 years later in a crowded stadium

We were at the 49er's game on 9-11.... 10 years later. 

It was an incredible energy inside as we paid tribute to our country and honored our freedom.

God bless the USA.

It was a proud moment to see the soldiers bring out the flag, display it, and then march it back out. 

My heart was with my brother Jake who is in Afghanistan.

HuAH .

first time nfl game

We took MUNI to Candlestick park, and on the way we passed by the Giants stadium.  They were playing at the same time, so it was a busy day for sports fans in SF. 

Our first glimpse of Candlestick

We were DIE HARD 49er fans for a day!

checking out the staduim before the game in the upper bowl

our seats

Section 3, Row U, seats 12 & 13.  Enzone.  Not bad for last min $34 ea!

and, they won. Good times.

chinatown

We went to Chinatown on Saturday morning during market time.  Amazing masses of people... we felt like we were in China.  I love that there is so much culture in one big city.

and... of course, the diva in me could not help but notice the salon stuff... ;) 

It is, afterall, my calling in life...

alcatraz

Our 2 hours in prision.