Jo Ann Braunstein

Jo Ann Stein was born in Columbus, Georgia on September 15, 1936, to Goldie and Sydney Stein. Jo Ann had three older brothers when she was born: Stanley, Arthur, and Melvern, and several years later her younger brother, Dennis. As a little girl, she learned to become an accomplished violin and piano player. Jo Ann attended Jefferson High School in San Antonio and she made the varsity diving team. She earned an associate degree from San Antonio College, graduating with honors. Later, she learned to fly an airplane, earned a captains license to sail commercial ships, and became a certified instructor in scuba diving.

Jo Ann made sure that her children, David and Mark went to good schools and were grounded in their Jewish faith. She helped with homework, made sure her children got to and from school safely and took them to religious studies. While she was single she supported her children by working for her Mother, running one of the largest laundry & cleaners in the country. Despite the challenges, she was outgoing, loving, and adventurous. Jo Ann and her boys went on many family outings, and she taught her children dancing and water skiing.

She moved to New England in her 40s, where she became active helping seniors and delivering meals on wheels. Later, she became president of the National Council for Jewish Woman. Jo Ann loved her dogs and cats and had a furry friend most of her life. She loved the water, sailing the east coast. Later she lived full time on her sailboat island hopping, exploring, and meeting new friends.

She ended her adventure to be with her grandchildren, Michael and Steven in Houston. She loved her grandchildren; she took the nickname "Jojo." She participated in their birthdays, bar mitzvahs, graduations, and vacations. David and his wife Kathie included Jojo on their vacations to Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, Victoria, New York, and London.

Jojo passed away on April 1, 2022. All her life she was a very beautiful woman inside and out. There is no one in the world quite like her.

We note with sadness the death of Jo Ann Braunstein, Mother of David (Kathie) Braunstein, Mark (Karol) Braunstein, Sister of Dennis (Kay) Stein, Grandmother of Michael (Alissa) Braunstein and Steven (Liliane) Braunstein, Aunt of Tracy Tommack, Dina Stein, Todd Stein, Trent Stein, Debbie Stein, Michael (Eileen) Stein, Kris Stein and Great Aunt and Great Great Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Jojo would prefer no flowers; instead, donate to St. Judes and the ASPCA.To view Jo Ann's services click here.