Jo Ann Sigby

Beloved mother, daughter, sister, partner, and friend, Jo Ann Margaret Sigby departed this life on January 28, 2026, at her home in Waukegan, Illinois, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 25, 1963, in Tacoma, Washington, she was a beacon of compassion and joy throughout her 62 years.

Jo Ann's life was a testament to service and loving-kindness; principles deeply rooted in her Buddhist faith. She was a dedicated supporter of SGI-USA, an organization that promotes peace, culture, and education through Nichiren Buddhism. Her faith guided her through life's challenges and inspired those around her to live with kindness, gratitude, and a commitment to creating a better world.

Her faith was complemented by a deep pride in her cultural heritage as a native Alaskan Indian, a lineage she took great pride in despite never setting foot in Alaska. Her humorous musings about visiting Germany more times than her ancestral homeland brought smiles to all who knew her. She found solace in nature, embracing life's simple pleasures with a thoughtful and loving heart.

As the child of an Army soldier, her stepfather Robert Hovey, Jo Ann's formative years were spent traveling between bases. This journey included spending part of her high school years in Germany. In a beautiful twist of fate that she often recounted with a smile, her own first assignment after joining the Army was a return to these very same "high school stomping grounds."

Jo Ann found her calling early on, serving in the United States Army as a medical specialist. Her tours in Germany and Hawaii were more than a duty; they were an extension of her innate desire to alleviate suffering and provide comfort to those in her care. Her laughter was infectious, her presence a source of stability, and she carried these traits of compassion and stability into every aspect of her life long after her military service concluded.

After her honorable discharge, Jo Ann's unwavering commitment to her family and community became the cornerstone of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her devoted children, Rachel Ann Longmore, and Robert Jeremy Sigby; her loving mother, Mikki Kauffman; her caring siblings, Lisa Austin and Ronda Nelson; her cherished childhood stepfather, Robert Hovey; and her partner of 26 years, Jon H. Holsapple, who stood by her side through life's many chapters. She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Jo Ann is now reunited with family who preceded her in death: her husband, Richard Knight; her stepfather, Russel Kauffman; her father, Joseph Sigby; her sister, Marcy Hovey Wirebaugh; and her brother, Kenneth Hovey.

After losing her sister to pancreatic cancer, Jo Ann became a passionate advocate for the cancer community, embodying the Buddhist principle of transforming karma into mission. To continue this legacy, her family has chosen to support The Goodtimes Project, which brings joy and comfort to children and families on a pediatric cancer journey. Your support for this cause in her name would be a cherished tribute.

A memorial service to celebrate Jo Ann's life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Port Orchard VFW Post 2669, 3100 SE Mile Hill Dr, Port Orchard, WA 98366, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

As we reflect on Jo Ann's life, we are reminded of the words of the Buddha: "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." Jo Ann was that single candle whose light sparked joy and happiness in the lives of countless others. Her legacy will continue to shine through her family, her friends, and the many lives she touched with her generosity and spirit.

Jo Ann's journey through this life has come to a peaceful close, but the love she imparted remains eternal. Let us cherish the memories, uphold her values, and celebrate the profound impact she had on our world. Jo Ann Margaret Sigby's life was a beautiful example of how to walk gently upon this earth, leaving it richer through acts of kindness and a legacy of love.