Jo Ann Thomas, 80

Jo Ann (Hoffman) Thomas, 80, of Schwenksville, formerly of Williamsport, wife of the late F. Barry Thomas, passed away Thursday December 16, 2021 at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery.

Born on December 20, 1940  in Lorain, OH, she was the daughter of the late Gordon C. and Leota P. (Marshall) Hoffman.

Jo Ann graduated from Lorain High School, where she played first chair saxophone in the marching band. She went on to attend Otterbein College and received her B.A., going on to teach intermediate and high school English in the same school with her husband Barry.

Barry & Jo Ann spent 18 years as franchise owners of Perkins Restaurant in Williamsport, PA.

Jo Ann was known by family and friends as an expert quilter, winning many top awards in quilt shows. She also spent time crocheting, doing embroidery work, sewing, and doing cross stitch, which led her to open a cross stitch business, The Magic Needle. She had a passion for reading and thoroughly loved her time with her friends in their local book club. She also loved to cook, and took small personal cooking classes with Julia Child, Martha Stewart, & Martin Yan, where she learned to perfect her culinary and baking skills. Her other interests included gardening, watching NASCAR, the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies baseball, and her daughter and granddaughters playing sports.

After a brief relocation to Massachusetts, she moved back to Pennsylvania to reside with her family for 18 years in Schwenksville, PA. In retirement, she loved accepting the new role of “MamMam and Granny” to her granddaughters, Katie & Cameryn.

Surviving is her daughter Linda L. Downey wife of Edward F.; grandchildren Kathleen J. and Cameryn M. Downey; brother Dale W. Hoffman husband of Mary Ann; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David L. Thomas husband of Marcia, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in her honor will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jo Ann’s memory to (Victory Junction.org)

Add My Condolences

Linda,

So sorry to hear that your mom passed away. She was like a second mom to me. I have often thought about her after I left Perkins. I just saw today that she passed away. Hope your family is doing well.

~ Sheryl Rinker Luse Montoursville, PA
7/28/2022 1:49:59 PM

Dear Linda and Family,

We were so very sorry to learn of Mrs. Thomas’ passing. She lived a very full and varied life and we enjoyed reading about her. We wish we had known her better and we are sorry you will miss her greatly. Please let us know when her services will be. Much love, Marty and Diane

~ Marty and Diane Paulina
1/22/2022 12:39:10 PM

A beautiful person with a generous heart and love for life. We are grateful to have some of her gorgeous quilts and will think of her often. We pray that you are comforted by warm memories of your mom

~ Barbara Jacobson Nazareth, PA
1/10/2022 5:56:56 PM

We are so very sorry to learn of JoAnn’s passing.
She was a wonderful friend and an original member of “The Board of Directors “
We have wonderful memories.

~ Benjamin, Susan Williamsport, PA
12/28/2021 10:46:45 AM

I worked with your mother/grandmother in inpatient therapy. She was a wonderful woman. I am so sorry for your loss

~ Mary Boggs
12/21/2021 4:06:18 PM