Jo Ann was born July 10, 1943 to Basilio Calafiura and Josephine Calafiura (Ingrassia) in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up in the Cleveland suburbs of Maple Heights and graduated from Maple Heights High School in 1961.
In 1970 she moved to San Diego then worked for a local tax firm later American Express for over 30 years until her retirement in 2005. in 1983 she served with local PTA to help keep the former Martha Farnum Elementary (Pacific Beach) open two additional years in order for local kids to be able to attend school in their area. She was also active in feeding the homeless at Saint Brigids Parish in Pacific Beach. After being diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2005 her effort, attitude and spirit led to her being a Sharp Hospital Victory of Spirit recipient in 2010. She loved cooking, planning dinner parties and always trying to help people to see the positive side of whatever situation she or anyone she knew had encountered.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Alex and a son, Keith, his wife Sierra and two grandchildren, Luke and Polina. In addition she leaves behind two sisters Antoinette Calafiura and Marie Calafiura, 12 nephews and 3 nieces and several grandnephews and grandnieces.
Her parents, Basilio and Josephine, a sister Rosalia and a brother Frank predeceased her.
In lieu of flowers, you can contribute to the Educational trusts in I Shares 529 Plan FBO Luke Antigiovanni and Polina Antigiovanni, if you would like to make a contribution please divide evenly or to ST Judes Hospital for Children (per Jo Ann's instructions).
