June 25, 1935 to May 3, 2023.
Jo was not supposed to have survived her birth, but surprised doctors, and her Mom, Maggie, when she came wailing into the world at the hospital in Lindsay, Ontario. She and her six siblings lived a pioneer life in nearby Furnace Falls. Not having the benefit of running water or electricity helped them form a strong family bond. Born just before WWII, she was proud to tell stories of gathering milkweed pods to be used to make parachutes for the war effort. Jo's education started at the age of five with a two mile walk through the woods to the little school, SS #7.
So inspired by this experience, she ventured to the big city to be certified as a teacher. She started her career at the age of seventeen at the one-room school in Irondale. With her first paycheque, she bought her brothers a TV so they could watch the Leafs on Hockey Night In Canada. (Electricity had arrived at the farm.) Jo was ahead of her time, venturing off to Europe with her best friend, Florence King, to see the cities she had read so much about. When her brother Jack brought home a friend from Ranger School, it led to her marriage to Dave in 1959, and they eventually settled in Sault Ste. Marie.
After taking time away from her career to raise her three boys, Jo explored her entrepreneurial side, opening Kay's Casuals, a women's clothing store on Queen Street East. She was a lifelong learner, returning to school in her forties to earn her Bachelor's degree at Algoma University. The call of the classroom inevitably returned, and Jo taught adult literacy as part of Program Read before retiring in her sixties. Jo formed many lasting friendships as a long-time parishioner of St. Luke's Cathedral where she taught Sunday School, and was an ACW stalwart.
Her love and attention will be sorely missed by her sons, Jim (Licia), John (Andi), and Brian (Danielle). She adored her grandchildren, Ben, Gareth, Olivia, Rhys, Romey, Sadie, and Ivor. She was big sister to Hugh,Gary, and Gerry, and the late Edward, Mary, and Jack. Jo was predeceased by her loving husband, Dave.
Friends may visit at St. Luke's Cathedral on Monday, May 8th, from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm. Service to follow at the church at 1:00 pm, Very Rev. James McShane officiating. Reception to follow at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E, 705-759-2522). In lieu of flowers donations to the St. Luke's Cathedral ACW, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Anstess family.
Remember Jo by taking a walk to enjoy the spring flowers.