JoAnn Rose Gajdos, 75, of Boise, Idaho passed away peacefully at her home in Boise on October 22, 2020.
JoAnn was born in Lorain, Ohio on July 16, 1945 to Robert Leo and Stella Ann Close. She graduated high school in Lorain, Ohio and went on to attend Lorain County Community College where she met the love of her life, James Gajdos.
After being married in 1967 JoAnn pursued a career in nursing. She became a well-respected ICU nurse at Sutter Hospital in Sacramento, California. She left nursing and eventually moved to Boise, Idaho in 1982 where she raised her family and worked as a market researcher.
JoAnn was a woman of Christian faith and she loved many great worship songs. She loved spending time with friends and family and was always willing to cook a wonderful meal for anyone who walked through the door.
She loved to write, read, and correct grammatical errors anywhere she saw them, which were often even in the books she read. She loved traveling. Her favorite place to be was the Pacific Coast.
During the last few years of JoAnn’s life, she made many lasting friendships and greatly enjoyed the Boise music scene.
JoAnn is survived by her daughter Laura Marie, and her husband Barry Trebelhorn of Minnesota; son, Scott Gajdos, and his wife Sadie Gajdos of Washington; grandchildren, Alex Gajdos, Natalie Arnold, Hattie Arnold, and Colton Gajdos; two great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins; and her dear friend Mr. Toppenish, from Washington.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Stella Close; husband of 47 years, James Gajdos; and siblings, Robert and Hugh Close.
The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to Harry and Donna Hans and family of Boise, Idaho; Larry and Pam Bolick and family of Weiser, Idaho; and the St. Luke’s Hospice team who provided an unparalleled level of compassion and care.
JoAnn proved that great things do come in small packages. Her wit, courage, strength and character far surpassed her stature. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Services will be announced at a later date.
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Todd Hans says
October 25, 2020 at 2:51 pmAunt JoAnn, as I knew her, was a wonderful and delightful person. She was the epitome of what a good human should be… curious at life, vivid in spirit, and delighted at new and novel people and ideas. Her passing will be greatly missed!
Sadie Gajdos says
October 25, 2020 at 9:01 pmMama G, you are always in my heart. We had some great times. I’m sad I won’t hear your voice and your giggle in person. I’ll cherish the memories though!! Since 2009 I always thought, “she will never accept me. Nobody will ever be enough for her son.” And to hear you say “you are the best daughter-in-law anyone could ask for and keep taking care of my boy.” I promise to always take care of your boy. I love you very much! Rest and Dance in Peace
RONALD ALLEN says
October 27, 2020 at 3:51 pmI am shocked. I have known JoAnn and James Gajdos. for many years. It seems like just the other day we were meeting at Golden Corral for dinner and talks. I am sadden to hear of her passing through Facebook.
My thoughts with her and the family. I have lost another great friend. Ron Allen
Mary Ellen Tenne says
October 27, 2020 at 5:08 pmI am ,so sorry tohear about Jo Ann passing I always our time together with the Italian American club. and Jim being on our Bocce Team.. Rest in Peace.
Jim & Cheryl Piper says
November 14, 2020 at 10:04 amI first met Jim when his family moved to Lorain. I lived on the North side of the tracks about directly across from him. We were friends from elementary school until he died. Although my family moved from Lorain, we connected again at LCCC, there I met JoAnn with Jim. Together, they always seemed giddy/happy with each other. Through life changes, military service for both of us, marriage, and geographically apart, we somehow managed all to keep in touch. Jim would call when in town, and we’d get together for short visits either in person or long phone calls. We last met before our class reunions and he and JoAnn invited me to see a performance at a local karaoke venue. Jim told me it was one of his favorite hobbies, JoAnn, a favorite fan. My wife and I joined JoAnn to watch Jim sing. JoAnn was her bubbly self, beaming while Jim sang. We all sang along, consuming many adult beverages along the way. It was a fun evening, and great to reconnect with both of them, JoAnn glowing with pride and enthusiasm as Jim sang. My wife remembers JoAnn as someone she felt she knew her whole life. JoAnn sent me a note when she got the news about her illness. With her usual positive outlook, she said: It’s going to be a rough one, but she was ready for the fight. I’m very happy to have known her and Jim both. The lessons here being enjoy life to the fullest. It’s no dress rehearsal. We will miss her.