Nellie Jo Chabot

With deep love and sorrow, we remember Jo Chabot, who peacefully completed her earthly journey on September 30, 2025, after a long illness. During her final moments, she was comforted by Gary, her husband of over 56 years and her youngest daughter, Devon Chabot-Richards. Jo's legacy lives on through her beloved children: Gary Chabot, Ann Marie Hofmann, and Devon Chabot-Richards; and her cherished grandchildren: Miranda Chabot, Tristan Hofmann, Allison Hofmann, and Linna Richards.

Jo was born on March 2, 1946, to W. Wendall and Francis Smith. As the youngest of eight children, she grew up on a small farm in Hebron, Ohio, where she embraced the simplicity and strength of rural life. In 1964, Jo moved to Long Beach, California, to live with her eldest sister's family and pursue her college education. She graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, a field that would become her lifelong passion.

After graduation, Jo married Gary, as he began his service in the U.S. Air Force. Their partnership lasted more than five decades and was marked by love, service, and dedication to their family.

Jo began her teaching career in Ramstein, Germany, at the Montessori School, which was later renamed the Chabot Montessori School in her honor. She continued her work at the Alexander Street Montessori School in Merced, California, and, upon returning to Germany, resumed her leadership at the Montessori School bearing her name. During that time, she completed her master's degree in early childhood education at Brown University.

When the Air Force relocated Gary to Albuquerque, Jo was hired to manage the University of New Mexico Early Childhood Laboratory School. She later worked as director of the Child Development Center at Cuidando Los Ninos, providing care and education for children experiencing homelessness. Her heart remained in the classroom, and she returned to teaching in the Rio Rancho School District as a kindergarten teacher, where she taught for 17 years.

Jo was a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, mentor, and teacher. She will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, and the more than a thousand students she was privileged to serve throughout her lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cuidando Los Ninos, https://clnabq.org/