Jo Ann Blair

Jo Ann was raised in the large caring family of Antoinette & William Centen and Centen siblings: Florence Morse, Cliff, Winford, Robert, Raphael, Dorothy, Charlotte Peerenboom, Lorraine, Kathleen Kollman & Donald. She lived in Green Bay until 1960 where she attended St. Willebrord School, St. Joseph Academy and was in the first co-ed class at St. Norbert’s College.

Jo Ann enjoyed golfing at Shorewood Country Club, taking the train to Chicago to see stage plays and dining and dancing at the Stratosphere, Riviera, Chalet, Zuider Zee, Skytop, the Mill and the Carlton. As a teenager, she enjoyed working at the Rocket Restaurant where she had the opportunity to meet Packers and Bluejays players. As an adult she worked for V and V Distributors, UOP, and IBM where she distinguished herself as a top notch secretary.

Jo Ann married Jack Blair August 17th, 1957. They left Green Bay in 1960 in order for Jack to pursue his career. Over the years, they built their family: Victoria Anne was born in West Bend, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Susan in Allendale, New Jersey and Andrew Joseph in Arlington Heights, Illinois. All were raised with love and well educated. Vickie married Peter Huff and Jo Ann became the proud grandmother of their children Caitlin, Joseph and Abigail. Lizbeth married Gary Gray and Sarah Faith was added to the family as their youngest grandchild. Andrew married Cynthia Edwards. Jo Ann was very proud of her family and her love will be with them all of their lives.

When Jack retired from Maytag Corporation in 1997 in Newton, Iowa they might have relocated anywhere. After considerable searching they decided that a home on the Bay north of Dyckesville provided an ideal retirement environment. Escape to Florida beaches during Wisconsin winters and frequent visits by family and friends completed the ideal picture. Although Parkinson’s disease challenged her for many years, she continued to find much happiness with her family.

Jo Ann leaves behind God children Mary Ellen Centen and Mike Kollman and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves many friends from towns and cities all over the country where she lived. She always considered her family, extended family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers before herself in everything she did.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Connie Roberts for the loving care that they provided to Jo Ann.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 11:00a.m. until 1:30p.m. at Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St.,Green Bay, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at the church at 1:30 followed by a luncheon. Burial will be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Schauer & Schumacher Funeral Home is assisting the family 920-432-4841.