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JoAnn Catherine Loftus
1943 - 2010
JoAnn Catherine Loftus
1943 - 2010
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2010
JoAnn Loftus Obituary
She was born September 5, 1943 in Kenosha Wisconsin to James and Theresa Iorio. She lived in Kenosha until early childhood when her family moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico.
In 1962, while in living in Alamogordo, she met the love of her life, Jack Loftus, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. They were married that same year. From 1963 to 1982, she toured the world with Jack as he was stationed overseas in Germany and Panama and numerous bases within the U.S. before finally settling down in Austin in 1982 when Jack was stationed at Bergstrom AFB. For 16 years, she cheerfully served as a secretary to the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church where she developed deep and lasting relationships with those she touched in the community.
JoAnn lived a life wrapped in the love of her family and all those that surrounded her. She loved without reservation and gave of herself without hesitation. She cherished being around people and exuded joy and positivity. Never one to complain or speak harshly of others, she will be most remembered for her warm and beautiful smile, her deep compassion for others, her strong character, the grace by which she lived her life, and the incredible courage she displayed during her lengthy battle with MSA.
Her family cherishes the memories of her faithful love for all, which was rooted in Jesus' faithful love for her. She would want to encourage us to use the rest of our precious lives to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...Love your neighbor as yourself…'" (Mark 12:30-31).
JoAnn is survived by husband Jack and son Shawn and wife Wendy of San Antonio, son Mike and wife Kim of Allen; grandchildren Meghan, John Michael, Matthew, Maggie Rose, Jake, Josh and Jackson; and brother Joe Iorio and wife Marie of Norco, California. She will be desperately missed by all of us.
She was blessed to have received kind and compassionate care from the loving staff at West Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Austin. She loved those that cared for her. The family extends their very heartfelt thanks to the staff of West Oaks.
Services will be held Monday, October 25, 2010 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Austin. A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. and concluded with a reception at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation by going to https://support.pdf.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
JoAnne Franklin Koval
September 18, 2011
Dear Jack and family,
JoAnn and I were "best friends" while we were in high school. We really had a ball together at dances at the teen center and the kind of fun girls had in the 50's, laughing, flirting and just a thousand fun things. I remember when I spent the night at her house one time, and she told me she had met someone - a Captain - and she was so much in love with him. She told me she was going to marry him. After she DID get married to that Captain and moved away, we spoke on the phone a couple of times, and then we lost track of each other. She was a great friend and I've loved her all these years. I'm so sorry to have learned that she had this illness which took her life. I look forward to seeing her again on the "other side." I'm grateful to have known her.
October 29, 2010
Dear Jack, Sean, Michael & families:
Our hearts go out to all of you during this time of sorrow. May all your cherished memories of JoAnn be a source of strength and peace in the days to come. You can now take comfort in knowing that your special angel is watching over you. We recall the summer of 1955 when JoAnn spent vacation time in Kenosha and a family picnic was held at the beach on Simmons Island. We had a great time and even then JoAnn had that beautiful smile and cheerful personality. Love, Cousin Bob and Joan Ziccarelli
Kelley Strohschein
October 29, 2010
Dear Jack, Shawn, and Mike,
I was so sad to hear of JoAnn's passing. I met JoAnn just a few years ago when she was struggling with the effects of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). I was struck by her positive spirit and gracious manner. She touched my life and will always hold a special place in my heart.
Gail Seale
October 28, 2010
To The Dear Loftis Family:
I join with the many other folks who loved Joann, and offer my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loving mother, wife and a truly lovely woman. Although it is small consolation at this sad time, it is satisfying to know that in Joann’s passing you may celebrate the end of her productive life.
The measure of a life well-lived is not how much money or possessions one has accumulated, but rather the lives touched. Joann touched many in her sweet, beautiful way. As the outpouring of sympathy on Joann’s passing shows, you can say with confidence that her life was well-lived.
May you find The Peace, understanding and comfort knowing the loss of Joann is felt by all who knew and loved her.
With Sympathy,
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Bob and Sheila Simm
October 26, 2010
Dear Jack and family,
Our hearts go out to you all during this sad time. May you be comforted by the fact that JoAnn was so widely loved and respected, and that she is with our Lord, whom she so loved and faithfully served.
Frank and Karen Tantalo
October 26, 2010
Jack and Family, Please accept our deepest condoloences for your loss, but the Lord's gain.
I first met your wife, Jack, when I decided to help Fr. Oliver and St. Catherine enter the computer age with a newer network linking all their computers and servers. JoAnn was a verysweet, soft spoken, caring person. Even when I messed up some technical issue, she never got excited. I will always remember her smile and caring compassion for the parishioners, the Priests, and her co-workers.
It has been a pleasure to know her, and she will be missed. I am sorry to have been out of town during these sad days, but you and your family were on my mind a lot.
God speed and fondest regards.
Frank and Karen Tantalo
October 25, 2010
Shawn, Wendy and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I know this loss is great but please know that we are praying for you and are here if you need anything.
With God's Grace,
The Talley Family
Chris,Laura, Michael, Megan and Caroline
San Antonio, TX
Cynthia Martinez
October 25, 2010
Dear Jack and Loftus family,
We were truly sad to hear the news of JoAnn's passing. She was a lovely, kind and generous lady. Her smile was special. We will never forget her. What a special lady and what a legacy for you all.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that the Lord will give you comfort and strength to sustain you.
Love,
Steven, Cynthia & Christopher Martinez
Herb Pangle
October 25, 2010
Dear Jack, Shawn and Michael:
This obituary says it all. A sweet, beautiful lady who loved everyone as everyone loved her.We send our deepest sympathy on the loss of our beloved JoAnn.
Herb and the Pangle boys
the Hattaways
October 25, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
October 25, 2010
To all of you who knew and loved my sister, JoAnn,
You are so fortunate to have enjoyed her compasion and love of life. I am sorry that I was the older brother who made the first 18 or so years of her life so difficult. We seemed to fight about everything in those days. Through it all, she never stopped loving me. It wasn't until after she married and had her own family, that I realized how much I loved her. When I visited with her in Texas she would always make my favorite food and we would stay up and talk long after the others had gone to bed.
I know that she is it that better place with our parents. My wife Marie and I miss JoAnn very much.
Joe Iorio
Sam and Jo Ann Sipes
October 25, 2010
Dear Jack and Loftus family; Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of JoAnn. We have many found memories of JoAnn. We remember her sense of humor, faith, courage and her unyielding love for Jack and her family. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her. We are keeping all of you in our prayers.
Jeffrey Weber
October 25, 2010
Jack, Shawn, Michael and family, my prayers and thoughts are with you on this day. JoAnn, was a inspiration for faith and rock of loyalty to God and her family. In this world the Lord brings into each and every one's life certain beacons for faith that help a young person's growth and understanding of faith and what it means to live a life of commitment and service to God. She was a wife, mom and friend to many. To some she was the “Neighborhood Mom� who always had time to listen and talk to the friends of Shawn and Michael. I can say for certain that JoAnn was a shaping beacon of faith in my life and as my “Neighborhood Mom�, she will be greatly missed.
Lt Col Jeffrey Weber
JoAnn, Kim, Meghan---Easter (1995?)
Staci Hamlin
October 24, 2010
When I think of JoAnn, words like "warm," "generous," "kind," "gracious", and "beautiful" come to mind. It was truly a privilege to have known her, and I know she will be missed by those who knew and loved her. To have been touched by her gracious warmth and hospitality is a treasure myself and my family will always cherish. One of the memories of JoAnn that always brings a smile to my face is of a trip to Schlitterbahn we took with Shawn, Wendy, the kids, ...and JoAnn. I have never forgotten what a great sport she was, and how much joy she got from spending "fun time" with her grandchildren, even in a place as crazy and chaotic as Schlitterbahn! Truly a great lady in every situation, from the sublime to the ridiculous---it didn't matter to her, as long as she was with those she loved!
October 24, 2010
Dear Jack, sons and families. Please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy on the passing of our dear mutual first cousin, JoAnn. We will always remember her beautiful smile and graciousness. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Cousins, Guy and Gemma Santelli of Kenosha, Wisconsin
October 24, 2010
Dear Jack, Shawn & Michael,
You know how much I loved your mom and will miss her terribly. The last couple of months were very difficult, but she always had a smile and could laugh at Jack's jokes. She was a wonderful friend and like a sister to me. She will always have a special place in my heart. Margaret Mc Kinney
Dinner in Austin - 2005
Vince Wilson
October 24, 2010
My condolences to you all on JoAnn's passing. I know she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. I always hold a special place in my heart for her welcoming, giving nature.
Scott Hamlin
October 23, 2010
I was always impressed with how warm and welcoming JoAnn was when I would come over and hang out at the Loftus house. However, I will always be deeply grateful for how JoAnn was there for Wendy when we lost our mother to cancer. JoAnn is obviously a huge part of why my sister has such a great guy for a husband which is also something I will continue to be grateful for.
Allison Eckelkamp
October 23, 2010
Dear Jack and family,
We are so sad to hear about JoAnn. What a huge loss, our hearts really hurt for you. JoAnn always made us feel like we were the most important person in the room, she just overflowed with love and joy- and lots of fun! Please know that we will be lifting all of you up in prayer.
Love,
Keith and Allison Eckelkamp
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6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749
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