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Jo Gorden Obituary
Jo Ellen Cleveland Gorden
The daughter of Ivan Cleveland and Patty Tapp, Jo was born May 15, 1957 in Portland, Oregon the youngest of four children. The family moved to Everett, Washington where she spent her elementary school years. She graduated from Lake Stevens High School in 1975 and married Keith Gorden January 28, 1987. Their son, Harley, was born June 4, 1994.
Animals, children and flowers were the major focus of her life from adolescence through her adult years. An accomplished rider, she competed in the hunter/jumper ring. When she wasn't riding, she was in the garden. She operated her own floral design company, enriching many special occasions with her creations. In 2000 Jo began working for Pampered Chef forging strong, lasting friendships. In 2006 she began working for the Snohomish School District as a Para-educator and Library Assistant. Whether engaging youngsters in a rousing game of "Bump" basketball or mentoring special students on a one-to-one basis Jo's skill, patience and compassion came shining through. In 2009 she coached her Boys and Girls Club basketball team to their league championship.
A devoted mom, Jo could be found on the sidelines of many sports cheering, encouraging and yelling for all the players, but especially for her son, Harley. As a Snohomish High School Panther mom, she continued to support young athletes.
Jo Ellen is survived by her husband, Keith; and her beloved son, Harley. She is also survived by her father, Ivan Cleveland; mother, Patty Tapp; brothers, Rob and John Cleveland; and sister, Beth Statz, her loving and compassionate caregiver during her last days. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews and great-nieces. She will be lovingly remembered by her Pampered Chef friends; her fellow staff members at Dutch Hill Elementary school; and her "spare" mom and dad, MaryLee and Dennis Locknane.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 at Snohomish First Presbyterian Church in Snohomish at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jo Gorden
Ronda Davis
June 1, 2011
My thoughts are with Jo's family. There is nothing we can say to ease the pain of your loss at this time. But just read and remember all the good things Jo did.I haven't seen Jo since Lanai had her anurisum. But when we were all together it was just like old friends had never been apart. Jo was a special kind of soul that will be greatly missed.
Randy Ayers
May 18, 2011
It's been many years since I have seen Jo, but when I read of her passing this week it brought back so many memories of all of our younger years together. I remember how cool I thought it was when she said in a grade school history class that she was related to President Grover Cleveland. She was a lot of fun. I see a lot of familiar names that have signed in and it just reminds me of the affection we all had for Jo. I am so sorry to all for your loss.
Robin Bedient-Peyvan
May 18, 2011
Jo Ellen was a lovely person with a beautiful heart, have comfort in knowing she touched many lives.
High School Friend
May 17, 2011
Jo was a strong woman, she bravely fought the battle as long as she could. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing, she was an amazing person. Harley is in my heart daily as I think about the loss of a mother. And Keith, the loss of a long time partner and friend. Family memories will live on forever. Hugs to you both, Tracy Nugent
Lisa Caldwell
May 17, 2011
My heart goes out to Harley and Keith. I have always loved visiting with Jo at the basketball games and the football games and practices. She helped us several times with cookies after Thursday practice and like me, her son was the light of her life. I will miss her and her easy, giving way. To anyone who knew Jo, hug your family tonight. She was that kind of gal.
Lisa Caldwell, Panther Mom
Barb Sennet Wilson
May 17, 2011
Jo was an inspiration and support to so many, an amazing friend and lover of life. I'm so proud to have had the opportunity to work with her with Pampered Chef and have the privilege of bringing together a wonderful group of women who supported and encouraged each other through thick and thin. We had a lot of great adventures together, all over the country. I'll never ever forget her smile and can-do attitude - despite the odds and challenges she faced.
Although I'm out of the state, I'm with you in spirit and am sending my prayers and thoughts to Harley, Keith and the family. It's very hard to be out of the area and not be there today at her service. With all my love to you all. Barb Sennet Wilson
Karen Serrano
May 17, 2011
My thoughts are with you all on the passing of Jo Ellen. She was such a brave and wonderful lady. She will be so missed.
Denise Mobeck
May 17, 2011
I've shared many great memories with Jo during our Pampered Chef days and beyond, full of conferences, trips and just having fun, especially the time in Montreal, what a great friendship we had. I will always cherish the time spent with her. She was so fun, loving and caring. I love & will miss you Jo! Keith and Harley my heart goes out for you and I pray that you will find peace in this very difficult time of loss.
Kari Stewart
May 16, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a kind wonderfull woman.
Kari Stewart -Panther Mom
Vicki "Klasse" Machovsky
May 16, 2011
To Jo's family, my heart goes out to you. I can vividly remember her beautiful smiling face as we recalled out high school days at our renunion this last summer. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rachel Humphrey-Foster
May 16, 2011
To Jo's family, I am so sorry for your loss, even tho I have not seen her in many many years I still remember her smiling face from high school. My heart aches for your family.
Prayers to you all.
Rachel Humphrey-Foster
Jim Knapp
May 16, 2011
My heart goes out to all of Jo's family and friends. This is such sad news.
Gerilyn King Hurst
May 15, 2011
I forgot the candle!!
Gerilyn King Hurst
May 15, 2011
What a wonderful, kind-hearted, genuine, beautiful person. I have enjoyed so very much getting to know Jo over that last 6 years that I've lived across the alley. My heart is breaking for Harley & Keith & the rest of her family. She will be missed so much, but take comfort in knowing that she is now your very own angel keeping watch over you. Suffer no more beautiful Jo...fly free....I'll remember you always...
Gerilyn Hurst
May 15, 2011
To Rob and John I am sharing in your sadness and my heart goes out to you both. I ran into Jo at the store and then at the school she was workin at cause I drive school bus for Snohomish and have for the last 6 yrs. She was so young and loved her family showin me pics of them.I am reminded of you all every day as I drive by the house you grew up in and I live on the waterline just down where the horses were kept that we used to ride. My cousin Gary just talked about how you all been friends for so many years I wished we could have heard sooner. Just to let you know Me and all my sisters care and will remember her always. She trully was a wonderful person and so are both of you. Deb Darrow Post
May 15, 2011
Keith and family,
I am so very sorry for your great loss. Jo was a wonderful person, so kind and giving to everyone. We shared many happy hours working with flowers and I will never forget her. She is with the Lord now and free of all of her pain. You are all in my heart and in my prayers.
Anne Brooks
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