Jo Ann Wheate, 64, of Hopewell Junction, died on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 after a courageous fight against cancer. She will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her.
Born in New Rochelle on July 18, 1949, she was the only daughter of the late William and Ruth (Lutgens) Josiger. After graduating from Westchester Community College, Jo Ann married Noel Wheate on August 9, 1969. He survives her at home.
In addition to being a loving mother and wife, Jo Ann enjoyed a variety of occupations during her life: chemist, gift store owner, florist, financial planner and home renovator, to name a few. She loved animals, nature, and family. She was an avid gardener and active member of the FW Vanderbilt Garden Association, including presiding as president of the club for four years. She had a caring touch and her orchids, koi pond, and landscaped gardens thrived beautifully under her care. Jo Ann was a wonderful cook and she enjoyed creating and serving family dinners. She enjoyed tennis, cross country skiing, and canoeing. Together, she and Noel were members of the Newburgh Yacht Club and an IDB Investors Group.
In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Christie and Michael Billeci of Tivoli; her daughter and son-in-law Shannon and Eric Held of Plantation, FL; her granddaughters, Anna, Lea and Katie; her brother and sister-in-law William Josiger and Janet Keyes of Brewster; her sister-in-law Wendy Greggs of Carmel; her niece, her husband and sons Melissa, Tim, Brian and Joseph Kelleher of Carmel; nieces Adele, Yulia, and Kim; and nephews Shawn, William, and Roman. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gary and Pam Wheate.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 20, from 1-3 and 6-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11am at the funeral home.
Donations may be made in Jo Ann's memory to Support Connection Breast & Ovarian Cancer Support, 40 Triangle Center, Suite 100, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 or FW Vanderbilt Garden Association, PO Box 239, Hyde Park, NY 12538. For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Jo Ann’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.