A longtime resident of Livingston since 1964, Jo Ann Abraham, 85, was called to her new home to be with the Lord on September 3, 2022. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and to so many other relatives, as well as a cadre of wonderful friends, associates and co-workers and the like.
She was the child of Don and Janette Cocanour. She was born and spent the early part of her childhood in Merced County. Her great grandfather, Joe Cocanour, was the mayor of the City of Merced in its early structure. He introduced and encouraged the commercial growth of sweet potatoes in Merced County, that now has grown to be a major agricultural crop in the county.
The family moved to Tracy where she completed her schooling and graduated from Tracy High School in 1955. Then on to Modesto Junior College and graduated from that site.
While at MJC she met her future husband Pirus Abraham and they married in 1958. Then they moved to San Luis Obispo for Pirus to complete his degree at California State Polytechnic University and Jo Ann assisted financially working in an office.
Moving back to the valley, she continued her education at Stanislaus State University and became a teacher at Campus Park School in Livingston. She taught there for thirty-five years. She loved teaching, especially Kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3. Her favorite was Kindergarteners. She was a people person for adults and the young children, she blended well with all. If she saw a youngster out in the cold without a jacket or someone needing new shoes or whatever, she would purchase the needed items with her own funds and have them given to those children without any connection to her.
Jo Ann had three children David (Kate) Abraham, Scott (Deana) Abraham and Marie (Donnie) Kelso; three grandchildren Collin (Crestina) Abraham, Gavin (Katilynn) Abraham and Kylee Kelso.
She had such great love and compassion for her family, relatives, cousins, nephews, nieces, the many, many dear friends and the young children and students she guided.
Christmas time was her favorite time of the year. She made her home reflect the season in so many ways. Having family and friends over to open gifts and to enjoy Christmas dinner was so special.
Rather than having flowers delivered for the services, please make a contribution to the Shriners Hospital for Children in her name. It will help put a smile on some children as well as put a smile on Jo Ann’s face in her new heavenly home. She contributed throughout the years for many years to this fine group.
She somehow found time monthly to write and mail out approximately 40 cards to family, friends, neighbors and others with words of encouragement that were ill, depressed, recovering from surgery and the like.
Shriners Hospital for Children, Attention: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Funeral service will be held at Allen Mortuary, 247 N Broadway in Turlock on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 10:00a.m. Condolences can be shared at www.AllenMortuary.com.
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