Jo Ann Romanowski, also known as Old Grandma, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 9th 2024 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 82.
Jo Ann was born to Julian and Ruth Romanowski on May 25th 1941, in Toledo. Her mother Ruth died at a young age leaving her father to raise her. Julian was called to service to defend our country during WW2. Jo Ann's beloved Aunts Ede, Mary and Tilly stepped in to raise Jo Ann in their Lima home. Jo Ann shared many fond memories of her childhood by the lake, boating and fishing during the summers. She spent her younger years during the Great Depression learning to sew, cook and helped her father work on cars when he returned from the war. Jo Ann attended Woodward High School and graduated in 1959.
Jo Ann welcomed her only child, daughter Nancy, who was her pride and joy. Jo Ann worked at Toledo Building Services and KBS who serviced the Toledo Blade until she retired in 2006. To say she cherished her grandchildren is an understatement. She shared her love of card games, movies, gardening, video games and cooking with them. She will be most remembered for her humor and wit. She was a character in her own right. She shared her opinion, advice and jokes with everyone. She was always the life of a party.
She is preceded in death by her mother, father and cherished aunts. She leaves her memory behind to her daughter Nancy (Dan) Alvarado, Grandchildren Christin Manuel, Sarah (Drew) Sauber, Danielle (Chad) Corder, Michelle Alvarado-Hall, Simon Alvarado , 12 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Toledo Hospital. Your care and compassion was greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Andrew Weber for your life saving attempts and her faithful neighbor Gloria, who loved her dearly. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her
The family will receive guests on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 2:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home; 4150 W. Laskey Road, Toledo Ohio 43623 (419-473-0300). Mass will begin Wednesday at 10:00 am. at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral; 2535 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, 43610 with Monsignor William Kubacki officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Toledo.
To share a memory of Jo Ann or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.