Josephine Petz

Josephine "Jo" Petz, left her life on Earth on April 11, 2022 and what a life it was! She was born near Newry, Northern Ireland to Michael and Margaret Kelly on May 5, 1928. Jo was sister and the last surviving sibling to Mary Margaret, Susan, Teresa, Bernadette, James, Patrick. Annie and also one who passed at infancy.

Gifted with incredible beauty as well as a beautiful singing voice, she was awarded first prize in many singing contests. After completing her education in Ireland, Jo decided she wanted a more exciting life and she moved to London where she worked at the Mayfair Hotel. She loved to share her stories of the many celebrities that would stay there. While out for dinner one night in London, Jo met a handsome, dashing sailor named Rudy, who was stationed in post war London. They were married in London, England on April 23, 1949. Jo arrived in the USA in August of 1949.

She was always full of life, and always the life of the party. There were many times her children would be awakened at 3:00 a.m. to the sounds of a 3-piece band or saxophone player that Jo had managed to convince to come back to the house to "keep the party going". Her children will have fond memories of her singing throughout the house as she made the "Sunday roast". Jo loved music and dancing, family vacations, and trips back to Ireland. After Rudy's retirement, they enjoyed traveling to Vegas and Branson to see the shows and play the slots. The highlight of their travels was returning to Ireland in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Jo had a love of fashion, always dressed impeccably from "head to HEELS". She was an excellent cook, enjoyed bowling and loved spending time with her family. Jo's smile, spirit and feisty nature will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Mike (Jan) Petz, Colleen (Tim) Voyles, John (Carole) Petz, Teri (Rick Kaifas) Trimmer and Kevin (Yvette Llanas) Petz; grandchildren, Traci (Rick) Perry, Dr. Ryan (Jessica) Cieply, Mandy (Matt) Harman, Lindsay (Sean) Papio, Kevin (Megan) Trimmer, Dr. Dennis (Kate) Cieply, Lauren (J.T. Carroll) Cieply, Devin Petz, and Erica Petz; 16 great-grandchildren and especially Calvin Guziolek, who made many visits to Alexis Gardens where she lived to play his accordion and spend time with her.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. at The Historic Church of St. Patrick, 130 Avondale Ave., Toledo, OH 43604. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Toledo Humane Society.

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