Jo Anne Ferroli

Jo Anne “Jo” Forsythe Ferroli, 75, of Chicago and mostly Rockford, passed away quietly on December 29, 2025. Born April 15, 1950, to Gerald Forsythe and Joyce Sutherland Forsythe, she was a deeply loved wife, mother, Nana, and friend.

She is survived by her daughter Jane Ferroli; sons-in-law Kevin Schmitz and Jordan Stoecklin; sister-in-law Patricia Forsythe; nephew Patrick Forsythe; niece Leah Ticknor; and her grandchildren Jaedyn and Jack Stoecklin and Kamdyn Schmitz. She was preceded in death by her sister Marlene Schulz and her brother Stephen Forsythe.

Jo worked in downtown Chicago before managing the North Central College union snack bar, later working in physical therapy at Edward Hospital, and spending twenty years with the Harlem School District as a Supervisory Aide. Exceptionally organized, she crossed every “T” and dotted every “I”.

Though a city kid, Jo loved the water, and enjoyed lake life in Mackinaw, Illinois, and time on the Rock River in Machesney Park, where she gardened and loved to watch the bald eagles in their nearby nests. She was a devoted Bears and Cubs fan, watched forty-nine seasons of Survivor, and was a voracious reader.

Her faith guided her active involvement at Grace United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Education Committee, United Methodist Women, a counselor with the Grief-Sharing Committee, and rang bells for the Salvation Army each Christmas. A 30-year survivor of advanced breast cancer, Jo was known for her resilience, her laughter with her dear friend Kendra, her hilariously bad parking skills, her time as a high school cheerleader, and her deep dedication to her family, especially her husband, daughter, and grandchildren.

Services for Jo will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Road, Rockford, IL 61114, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of her memorial service at 11:00 AM led by Pastor Sejoon Jang.

Jo’s wishes were in lieu of flowers, she would love for you to make a memorial contribution to Grace United Methodist Church, where it will be designated for Grief Share in her honor.