Jo Ann Maguire (nee Pierog) was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 24, 1924 to Peter and Victoria Pierog. A lifetime resident of the borough, she and her three sisters spent their early years in South Brooklyn before the family settled in Park Slope. It was there, on a “tar beach” rooftop, where Jo Ann met the boy next door, George Maguire, who became her husband on October 1, 1950. They were blessed with two sons, Paul and George, in those first years and then a daughter, Mary, some ten years later.
Jo Ann worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Manhattan as a young woman and later, when her children were older, returned to work as a food service worker at John Jay High School until she retired in June of 1993.
She was nearly 100 years old when she died and had touched many lives over those years. She was wise and patient and very unassuming. She loved outlet shopping, fried shrimp and word search puzzles. She had a great sense of humor and a talent for needlework and gift wrapping. Her affection for a nicely wrapped box was evident at many family functions where she would say, “they should save the paper” or “that is a nice box.”
Being as old as she was, she had seen many changes and had to see many of those she loved leave this world before her. But she kept her spirit through the hard times and relished the good times: when her children were married; when her grandchildren were born and went on to grow into adulthood and when the most recent additions to the family were added - her four great-grandchildren, Lucille Adelene, Connor Christoper, Kennedy Lillian and George Henry.
Johanna Maguire was predeceased by her husband George and her son Paul. She is survived by her son George, his wife Adele, their sons and wives, George and Melissa Maguire and Christopher and Kate Maguire. She is also survived by her daughter-in law Linda Maguire and by her daughter Mary Clark, her husband Scott, and their children Robert and Colleen Clark.
Jo Ann, “Auntie JoAnn” or Yanya, as she was sometimes called, loved and was loved by a lot of people, too numerous to name. She was a blessing to us all and we will try to make her proud.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital or the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood would be greatly appreciated.
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