JoAnn Cheslow Obituary

Our family is sad to announce the unexpected passing of JoAnn Cheslow on September 4, 2011. She died peacefully at her home at the young age of 59. She will be missed by her loving family; her sister Linda Cheslow, brother-in-law John Barone, nephew Aaron Barone, niece Rosie Cheslow, Aunt Blanche Ratner, many cousins, and lots of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lee Cheslow. JoAnn was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in Torrance, CA. She graduated from University of California Santa Cruz with an M.A. in Education. She spent her freshman year studying at Tel Aviv University, Israel where she began a life-long enjoyment of experiencing other cultures. After college she went back to Israel and lived on Kibbutz Beit Ha'Emek for five years. She returned to San Francisco employed as a teacher, then moved to Sonoma County in 1982 where she was a Jewish Educator, an Assistant Principal, and taught ESL in South Korea. Fearless and living life to its fullest, JoAnn sky-dived, scuba-dived, went white water rafting, climbed mountains, and trekked all over the world. She loved the wild animals in the nature parks of India and Africa. She found spiritualism with the dancers in Bali, Nepal and Tibet. The Great Barrier Reef amazed her with its beauty. She lived on every continent. "I want to be a part of other societies before they are influenced by Western cultures." Besides traveling, JoAnn was a tireless and devoted volunteer and foster mom for over 15 years with the Humane Society of Sonoma County. She loved helping homeless cats find new homes. Always sharing her home with felines, JoAnn's three black cats, "Peter, Paul and Mary," are now at the Humane Society awaiting a loving new home. If you can adopt them, please call the Sonoma Co Humane Society at (707) 542-0882. "She adored her 'kids' and they were the love of her life," said Humane Society Executive Director. "Her bright spirit and dry sense of humor are sorely missed." JoAnn was an avid reader and participant in book clubs, Mah Jhong, poker, and Israeli folk dancing. Her strength of character was inspiring. Her kindness and laughter will be missed by all, especially by her best friends Rabbi Patricia Fenton and Susan Bluhm. A celebration of her life will be held at The Country Mobile Home Park, 1180 Fulton Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Parking is limited. Contributions to honor her memory may be made to the Humane Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Oct. 2 to Oct. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JoAnn Cheslow

4 Entries

Sharon Fried

October 23, 2011

JoAnn, her sister Linda and I grew up near one another in Torrance, CA. Our parents were friends and so were we. A few years after my family moved to Israel, I got to see JoAnn again when she came there to study and live there for a while. For years afterwards we were out of touch until thanks to a "hacker" who sent me an e-mail from her a few years ago, we re-connected. We continued to e-mail each other and when I told her that I was planning to return to the States, she warmly opened her home to me, inviting me to stay with her for as long as I liked! I was so excited about seeing her again and looked forward to reminiscing about our childhood and hearing stories from her amazing and interesting life experiences. I am sad for the loss to her family, friends, "klds" and everyone who knew her. May Her Memory Be Blessed - ???? ???? ???? .....Sharon Fried (Franklin, TN)

Leanne Schy

October 11, 2011

JoAnn, you were one of those people at the center of things, who form groups of friends around them. I always think of you at our dance group, which you helped to keep going for so long.

Leslie Gattmann

October 4, 2011

This obituary is a beautiful tribute to Jo Ann. She was a remarkable woman who cared deeply about young people . She always enjoyed long,deep conversations with our children. She will be remembered in their lives as Auntie Jo for years to come. We will miss her laughter, unconventional perspective and presence at our holiday table and family events. Our love to
friends and family of JoAnn.

Charles Klang

October 2, 2011

Joann: I miss seeing you at the Humane Society's adoption desk. You were always good to me gave me good council.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results