Obituary of Jo Ann Lariviere

Jo-Ann Lariviere (Woods/Pearson) Jersey girl, patriotic and very proud American. She was a fan of the Jets, the Jersey shore and a cold bottle of Miller light. She passed away at home on Saturday, July 27, 2019 with her daughter at her bedside. 

Jo-Ann was born and raised in Paterson where she attended Catholic school and was the captain of the basketball team. Jo-Ann‘s childhood was tough she and her younger sister lost their dad at an early age. Times were tough and  Jo-Ann quickly took to the responsibilities and her no nonsense attitude and leadership skills were developed.

She married young and moved to Haledon with her first husband and had two children Lisa and George. Over the years Jo-Ann volunteered with her kids activities with scouts and school functions. She supported the local library and was an active member of the Cedar Cliff united Methodist church.

Jo-Ann’s beloved mother Helen was a very important part of her and her children’s lives and passed away suddenly in  May of 1994. 
In 1998 Jo- Ann married the love of her life Paul. Together they traveled far and wide exploring Alaska on fishing trips, cruises, tropical islands and trips to Mexico. They truly enjoyed their daily life together cooking and entertaining friends and family. Drinking  dancing playing pool and laughing and loving those around them. Sadly Paul passed away suddenly at home five years ago. 

Jo-Ann loved her job of many years as an office Manager for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. She was retired.  Since the time of Paul‘s passing Jo-Ann became an active volunteer at the North Jersey Community Animal Shelter where she dedicated time to fostering kittens and cats. She spent time at the shelter, donated and assisted with fundraisers. Her heart was full of love for the shelter animals and especially for the several cats that she adopted. They made her house a home and provided much love and comfort to her over the past few years. She was fortunate to have the companionship of her dear friend Joe, who looked after both her and the cats.

Jo-Ann will be missed by many she leaves behind her daughter Lisa and son-in-law Ken. Her grandchildren Kenny and his wife Samantha,  her granddaughters Renee and Dejah and grandson Vincent and his wife Sarah. Jo-Ann was blessed to also have five great grandchildren who she adored tremendously. Kenny, Axel, Veronica, Vincent and Tristan. Her sister Helen and brother in law Steven, her neices Heather and Shelly and their families. Lastly the numerous loving dear close friends who were also family to her. Jo-Ann's Quick wit, sense of humor and positive attitude will remind us to “suck it up buttercup” and will help us to smile through the tears that will be shed in the days and years to come as we all mourn for her. We rest in knowing she has been welcomed by our Father in Heaven and by her parents, her husband and several friends.

Visiting will be on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Funeral Service on Thursday at 10 AM. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, NJ