Jo Anne K. O'Carroll

Jo Anne was full of love, which she shared warmly and willingly with those around her, especially the family she leaves behind: her devoted husband of 62 years, Dave, four children, Trish O’Carroll-Bowers (Dennis), David O’Carroll (Leah), Dennis O’Carroll (Kirstin) and Dan O’Carroll (Renee), three grandchildren, Sergejs Bowers (Sydney), Eoin Basobas O’Carroll and Finley Basobas O’Carroll, and two great grandchildren, Penelope Bowers and Robert Bowers.

She absolutely loved helping others, an instinct clearly on display when she was teaching. This was a lifelong passion, and her career began with a bachelor’s degree in education from Duquesne University. Although she officially paused it early on to raise a family, Jo Anne made sure that her four children received the full benefit of having a teacher for a mother. 

Once they were all in school, she returned to teaching and worked for Columbus City Schools for more than 30 years, much of that as a special education teacher. While pouring her heart into her lesson plans and educating her students, Jo Anne also created time to earn her master’s degree in education from The Ohio State University. That helped her career and family, but it was also crucial when she launched the Teach program, which prepared high school students wanting to study education in college. The love she shared and the impact she made was immense, as evidenced by the many former students who have kept in touch, invited her to weddings, shared baby photos and visited her with their families.

After retiring, Jo Anne put more time and energy into other interests, but continued to make an impact. She took acting classes and loved participating in community theater, reaching “the pinnacle” when she starred as Miss Daisy in “Driving Miss Daisy.” It was Columbus Civic Theater’s most successful show ever, with every show but one sold out and the run extended by 8 more shows.

Her grandsons truly were the light of her life, and Jo Anne spent many hours on the sidelines of youth soccer games and bicycle races supporting them and encouraging them to pursue their passions, and she absolutely wouldn’t be deterred if she didn’t have the right jacket for the weather — which happened a lot.

For many years, Jo Anne was a devoted hospice volunteer, and her faith was a very important part of her life. She was an active member of the parish at St. Josephine Bakhita and, among other things, enjoyed bible study, book club and St. Vincent de Paul.

Throughout it all, Jo Anne had a warm, easy smile and a presence that would always make you feel seen and heard when you were with her. Please join her family to celebrate her life on Thursday, June 11 at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m., a funeral mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon shortly after that.

Also, in lieu of flowers, Jo Anne’s family asks that you make a donation in her name to the church, a hospice nonprofit or Available Light Theatre.