Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend Joanna (Jo) Kostanecki passed
away peacefully on March 27th, 2024 surrounded by loving family.
Jo, known for her kind heart and gentle spirit, was born on February 28, 1936 and
passed away just after her 88th birthday. Jo is survived by her husband of 65 years,
Michael (Mike) Kostanecki and her 3 daughters, Cindy Kelley (Kevin), Caroline Durupt
(Tom) and Christine Kostanecki-Banovitz (D.J.). Proud “Grandma Jo” is survived by her
beloved grandchildren, Leslie Kelley-Smith (Zach), Sean Kelley, Payton Kelley, Michael
Kelley, Elizabeth (Ellie) Durupt (Kevin), Griffin Durupt, Ian Durupt and Lilly Banovitz as
well as one great grandson, Noah Durupt Delvie. She forged a special and loving
relationship with each of her grandchildren and was always there to provide quiet, loving
and common sense advice for all of her family.
Jo was born in Defiance, Iowa on February 28, 1938. The youngest of 8 children. Jo lived
in Iowa for her young life and, at the age of 21, moved to Los Angeles, California and
became a legal secretary. It was in Los Angeles that Jo met Mike, a native of
Hamtramck, Michigan and they were married on June 6, 1959.
From the start, Mike and Jo’s marriage was filled with love, laughter, some tears and,
definitely adventure.. They spent most of their married life living in Willits, California
where they raised their family and met many lifelong friends. Jo had a long career as a
Branch Manager for First American Title. She was also active in her local parish, St.
Anthony’s Catholic Church, as well as volunteering for many local community activities
and being a loving and supportive mother to her 3 girls. After retirement, Mike and Jo
settled in Boise, Idaho where they have lived happily for almost 30 years.
Jo was the type of person who never wanted to be in the spotlight. She was very
modest and humble but was always supportive and encouraging to all those she met.
All who met her were drawn to a joyful light which always shone through her words and
actions. Jo never wanted to miss out on any of the fun because her supreme joy was in
uniting everyone. Always looking for opportunities to serve others, her warm and inviting
nature gave her a particular charisma for creating space for any and all who crossed her
path. Her conviviality created countless lasting memories of joyful times amongst
family and friends. She was the epitome of elegance and always took pride in looking
her best. She was a beautiful person in every sense.
Jo’s unwavering devotion to her faith and family, along with her innate gift for forging
deep connections, have left indelible impressions upon the souls of all those she loved.
Her legacy unites and inspires not only her family, but everyone touched by her life. The
memories of Jo’s life remain beacons of joy and powerful testaments to the enduring
strength of relationships nurtured in love and a belief in the bonds which transcend our
earthly life.
A Funeral Mass will celebrate Jo’s life on Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 pm at St. John’s
Cathedral 807 North 8th Street (corner of 8th and Hays) Boise, Idaho 83702. A reception
will follow.
Additionally, a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at
Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Turlock, CA 95380 with a celebration of life to follow
Any questions can be directed to Cindy Kelley (209) 678-2598