Jo Ann Weisenthal

Jo Ann Weisenthal, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Glendale, California, on December 16, 1949, Jo Ann brought light and laughter into the world from the very beginning. She spent the last eight years of her life in Riverside, California, where she continued to live with the same warmth, resilience, and joy that defined her.

Jo Ann is survived by her devoted daughter Kim Imai and son-in-law Derek Imai; her beloved grandchildren Evan, Eli, Nora, and Jack, who were the pride of her life; and her cherished son, Russell Weisenthal. She is also survived by her dear sister Susan Leavitt, along with several cousins, extended family members, and close friends who felt like family. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Weisenthal and her loving parents, Bertha and Milton Nelson.

Throughout her life, Jo Ann was a steady and loving presence to all who knew her. She worked for many years as an administrative assistant at a local college, where her warm smile, organization, and dependability touched both staff and students alike. While she was deeply dedicated to her work, her true passions were found in the creative and comforting things in life, arts and crafts and sewing. Her home was always filled with handmade treasures. Her creations weren’t just hobbies; they were gifts, each one stitched with love.

Jo Ann’s personality sparkled just as brightly as her favorite color, purple. It wasn’t just a color to her, it was an extension of her spirit: bold, bright, comforting, and full of life. She had an endearing love for teddy bears, which decorated her home and always brought a smile to her face. Her playful nature and childlike wonder never faded, even in her later years.

What stood out most about Jo Ann was her unwavering positivity. Despite the challenges she faced in her final years, she remained a tough, graceful fighter. She approached every day with a vibrant heart and an unshakable belief that life was meant to be enjoyed. Her joy was infectious, and her ability to find beauty in the simple things left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jo Ann often said that she wanted to be remembered as someone who lived life to the absolute fullest and she absolutely did. Whether it was sharing laughter around the table, passing on a treasured craft piece, or simply holding your hand in silence when you needed her most, she gave everything she had to those she loved.

A private ceremony for the immediate family will be held at Riverside National Cemetery on July 25, 2025, at March Air Reserve Base, California, where Jo Ann will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Though she may no longer be with us in the physical world, Jo Ann’s spirit, full of color, kindness, and fierce love will live on in our hearts forever.