Obituary: Marineau, Jo Ann (Wilde)
Age 84
Jo Ann, age 84, was born on January 4, 1930 in Moscow, Idaho to Willard and Pearl Edith West Wilde.
Her father was a longtime accounting professor at the University of Idaho.
Following the death of her birth-mother she was raised by her second caring and loving mother - Alice Lucille Higgs Wilde, who most knew as Grandma Wilde.
Jo Ann attended Moscow schools and the University of Idaho.
While a sophomore at Moscow High she met her future husband - a senior - William P. Marineau.
While at the university, Jo Ann consented to marry Bill.
They were married on August 10, 1951 in Evanston, IL, where Bill was attending medical school at Northwestern University.
Jo Ann worked in the pathology lab department, while Bill pursued his degree.
Jo Ann and Bill welcomed their first child, Marcia, while in Chicago.
From Chicago, Jo Ann and Bill moved to Oakland, California.
Their first son, Stephen, was born there.
In 1957, Bill was drafted into the Air Force and they relocated to the Edwards Air Force Base.
Later, they relocated to Moscow, Idaho where they set up their family home and Bill established his medical practice.
Sons Bill and Mark were born in Moscow.
Jo Ann spent her time lovingly raising her family, participating in philanthropic and other community activities.
Just a few included PEO, Gritman Auxiliary, investment clubs, volunteering and caring for those in need, and many others.
She had a love for cooking, canning, baking and gardening.
All of which she passed onto all of her children and grandchildren.
Jo Ann also owned rental properties around Moscow that she managed with lifelong friends.
With family grown, Jo Ann and Bill ultimately relocated to Spokane, Washington where they enjoyed retirement.
She and Bill enjoyed traveling the world, visiting family and friends, and sharing stories wherever they went.
Jo Ann especially delighted in the children in her life, gravitating to the crying babies to sooth and playing games with the grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Jo Ann had a raucous sense of humor and loved to tease, dance and live life to the fullest.
Up to the end of her life she never lost her ability to laugh at a good joke or create one-liners that made those around her laugh.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and daughter, Marcia.
Jo Ann is survived by her sons, Steve, Bill, and Mark; her grandchildren, Lea, Elanna, Michael, Heidi, Caitlin, and Molly; and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Jo Ann’s life will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Short’s Funeral Chapel, 1225 E. 6th St., Moscow, Idaho.
A reception will follow in the Nazarene Church Fellowship Hall.
Memorial gifts can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or your choice of early childhood care efforts.
Arrangements have been entrusted to SHORT’S FUNERAL CHAPEL, MOSCOW, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.