Jo Ann Bruno

Jo Ann Bruno

Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother
August 6, 1936 – January 13, 2026

Jo Ann Bruno lived a life defined by love, creativity, faith, and devotion to her family. She was many things over her 89 years—wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, homemaker, baker, businesswoman, artist, custom computer builder, and master seamstress—and somehow managed to excel at all of them.

Known lovingly as Grandma Jo, Jo Ann was an extraordinary woman with an open heart and tireless spirit. She married the love of her life, Neil Bruno, and together they built a family that was always the center of her world. She was the proud mother of four children—Cheryl, Bernice, Neil Jr., and Annette—and she welcomed their spouses, Emanuel, Lolo, Elsa, and Tim, loving each of them as her own. They, in turn, loved her deeply. She was also the devoted grandmother of seven grandchildren—Krista, Jennifer, Chandler, Connor, Cooper, Chase, and Cameron—and in later years delighted in being a great-grandmother to Sofia and Eva, a role she cherished deeply.

Jo Ann’s greatest accomplishment was her unwavering love and support for her family. She was always there—to listen, to help, to encourage, and to do whatever was needed, no matter the hour or the effort required. She never complained about shuttling her children to sporting events, music lessons, or jobs before they were old enough to drive. Her presence was steady and comforting, and her love was constant. Every kid on the block wished that she was their mother.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Jo Ann lived her Christian values daily and never spoke ill of anyone. She was deeply devoted to God and served her church faithfully for over fifty years—as a treasurer, choir member, Sunday school teacher, volunteer, and its beloved greeter, touching countless lives through her warmth and kindness. Her faith was not just something she believed, but something she lived every day, shaping how she loved, served, and welcomed others.

Jo Ann was also a master seamstress and a true artist. She made Easter outfits, prom dresses, and wedding gowns for her daughters, and lovingly created entire wardrobes for her children’s Barbie and Ken collections. She had the talent and eye to have been a great fashion designer, but instead chose to pursue her artistry as a devoted hobbyist, shaped by the times she lived in and her deep commitment to her family. Whatever creative endeavor she took on—sewing, knitting, beading, jewelry making, or handbag design—she approached with passion and skill, quickly becoming an expert. Her talent was matched only by her determination.

Jo Ann’s language of love was service. Alongside her husband and son, she helped run a successful surplus business for nearly 25 years. As a seamstress, she repaired countless articles of clothing, including heavy-duty tents sewn on industrial surplus machines. In her “spare time” (and remarkably, in her 60s), she taught herself how to take computers apart, rebuild them from scratch, and sell them in the store. She was also a quiet counselor to many who wandered in carrying personal heartache or heavy spirits—always ready to listen, offer encouragement, and ensure no one left without kindness, comfort, or a hug.

She also had her quirks, which made her all the more memorable. She was very clear that her name was Jo Ann—first and middle name—not Joann. And she loved ice cream, especially chocolate, which never failed to bring her joy. She was also a master cookie and brownie maker, delighting in sharing her baked goods as another way of serving and loving those around her.

Jo Ann’s impact on others extended far beyond any role or responsibility. Whether in her church or in the store, she had a rare gift for making people feel seen and accepted. Her hugs became her signature—simple, genuine expressions of love that broke through guarded exteriors and reached hurting hearts. She listened patiently, offered kindness without condition, and gave comfort freely. Though imperfect, as we all are, she chose positivity over resentment, and moved forward without complaint. She was always ready to lend a hand, and eager to help wherever she could. She lived a life marked by humility and a love that quietly changed lives.

Jo Ann Bruno leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, creativity, and family devotion that will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her trust in God gave her strength, purpose, and peace, and she shared that peace freely with others. We find comfort in knowing that the faith she held so Closely now carries her home.