JO ANN McLEAN WYATT

1940 - 2022

JO ANN McLEAN WYATT, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Born Aug. 27, 1940, in Albemarle, N.C., Jo Ann was a daughter of Murphy and Paul McLean. After attending the University of North Carolina Greensboro (the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina), Jo Ann worked at the Aluminum Company of America in Badin, N.C., where she met William J. "Bill" Wyatt, her husband of 56 years. Jo Ann and Bill married in 1964. They soon moved to Los Angeles, the first of many moves and travels throughout Jo Ann's lifetime. Jo Ann and Bill moved to Richmond, Ind., where their children were born. Jo Ann and her family relocated to the United Kingdom for several years before settling in Fort Wayne. Jo Ann was a dedicated community volunteer. She particularly enjoyed working at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. She was an active member of P.E.O. International, which supports the advancement of women. She was a longtime member of many groups, including a gourmet luncheon club. Jo Ann also enjoyed the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Her philanthropic interests included support for food insecurity, women and girls' advancement and the local arts. Jo Ann had a passion for adventures and new experiences, including food, people and places. She and Bill travelled extensively and were fortunate to visit all seven continents and 50 states. She loved frequent visits to her children and grandchildren in South Carolina, Colorado and Tennessee. Jo Ann was passionate about gardening, baking for others, getting to know new people, and daily walks. She had a deep appreciation for simple elegance. She spoke frequently of her love for flora and fauna. Jo Ann is survived by her children, Matthew (Ben), Elizabeth and Katharine (JD); grandchildren, Ava, Will, McLean, and Evie; and siblings, Bobby, David, Mary (Reggie), Bill (Jane), Carolyn (Jim) and Glenn (Stephanie). She was preceded in death by her husband. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a date to be determined. Donations in celebration of Jo Ann's life can be made to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun St., Fort Wayne (IN 46802), www.botanicalconservatory.org/support-us/donations or to the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, PO Box 10967, Fort Wayne (IN 46855-0967), www.communityharvest.org