Jo Ann Amorelli

Jo Ann Amorelli, 88, of Berrien Springs passed away following a brief illness on April 5, 2021.

She was born in St. Paul, Minn., to John and Louise (nee Lehmann) Wood. Before moving to Michigan, she lived in Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. She lived in Berrien Springs for the past 53 years.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husbands: Earl Johnson, Lawrence Dienes and Joseph Amorelli.

She is survived by her children: Julie (Randy) Smith of New Mexico, Suzanne (Richard) Scriven of Washington, Scott (Mirriam) Johnson of Michigan, Febra Johnson (David van Stralen) of California, Howard (Dianne) Johnson of South Carolina, and more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jo Ann worked as a nurse for the Voice of Music in Benton Harbor, and for over 20 years at Riveridge Manor in Niles. She was an avid vegetable and flower gardener, and her colorful flowers provided a sensory delight to passersby. She was an excellent cook and a superb baker. An accomplished seamstress, she enjoyed making clothing for her children and their dolls. She loved reading and had a beautiful singing voice (winning a radio contest at the age of 16), and was a very talented pianist, an outstanding accordion player, and loved to play her Lowrey organ. She adored her cats and dogs over the years, and actively followed local and national politics.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, April 16, at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, followed by a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs at 1 p.m. Memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be sent to Neighbor to Neighbor in Berrien Springs, a community service program.