Jo Ann Paulson

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and sister, Jo Ann Paulson on March 25, 2022, at the age of 74 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Jo was born in Berlin, Wisconsin on May 17, 1947, to Jean and Rex Hammers. She was the oldest of six children and grew up on a farm where they raised dairy cows and chickens. She belonged to 4H for much of her childhood and was in drama club in high school, which began her lifelong love of the theater. Jo married Howard Paulson in Wisconsin Dells on October 15, 1977, and they would move to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1980. Two years later they would adopt two children: Katie in 1982 and Chris in 1984. Jo completed her bachelor's degree in speech and drama at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She would go on to become a teacher and taught Reading, English, Speech and Drama. She was also qualified as a K12 reading specialist and her joy for reading and teaching others to read was apparent. Her love of teaching was evident as she continued to volunteer at a local elementary school after retirement, where she devoted her mornings to helping kids with reading and writing. She treated her students like family and many of them were still in contact with her years after she was their teacher. Jo was nominated many times and went on to win Teacher of the Year in 1999. She will be remembered for her love of education and the mentorship of her fellow educators. Her hobbies included quilting, reading, gardening, baking and spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren and family. Jo was an avid quilter and made quilts for every occasion. It seems as if everyone who knew her had certainly gotten a quilt from her. Her baking was phenomenal, and no one could wait for Christmas when she would treat her friends and family to mountains of goodies. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, and she would watch Christmas movies year-round. Even with all her interests and hobbies, family was the most important to Jo. She cherished her family and they in turn adored her. She was a great friend and would always be available to lend an ear or offer guidance when asked. She will forever be in the hearts of her family, friends, students and fellow educators as an inspiration, mentor and confidant. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday March 31, 2022, at 4:30pm at Getz Funeral Home at 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice. Service Information
Thursday, March 31, 2022 4:30pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

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