Obituaries

Entered into final rest Friday, September 27, 2013, at Kaiser Permanente Acute Care Facility in San Leandro, age 94. She was born February 10, 1919 in Clearview, Oklahoma. She was a resident of Fremont the past 20 years. Jo was a homemaker for 70 years. After her high school graduation in 1933, she traveled to St. Louis, Missouri where she soon met her future husband, Smitty. They were married in 1943. During World War II, she worked several jobs much like Rosie the Riveter. She was a vocational nurse, a wonderful cook, and baker of delicious lemon bundt cakes and luscious cornbread.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of Holy Spirit Church. As a Lady ?Knights of Columbus? member, she served several volunteer roles. Her generous spirit and quick wit will be deeply missed.

Prior to moving to Fremont, Jo and her late husband of 60 years, James (Smitty) Columbus Smith lived on various Army bases in Arizona, Alaska, and Baumholder, West Germany. They lived in Watsonville for over 30 years. She and her husband were widely known for their volunteer efforts in the Watsonville community. She spent the last three years of her life at Aegis of Fremont Assisted Living. She delighted the staff with her quick one-liners, and like everyone she touched throughout her life, the staff will miss her deeply.

She is the dear mother and mother-in-law of Helen Smith and Ken Smidy of Fremont.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, from 4-8pm with a Vigil at 6:30pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 4, 9:30am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. Burial will follow at Irvington Memorial Cemetery, 41001 Chapel Way, Fremont.