On October 23, Johanna (Jo) Boss passed on to her Maker. She was a unique person who touched many people in her 104 years of life. Born June 3, 1908 in Scheveningen, the Netherlands to Bastiaan and Margaretha van der Zwan. At the age of 19 she started her teaching career, where eventually she met Christiaan Boss, Sr. and they married in 1940. She lost Chris, noted organist and composer, way too early in 1968, leaving Jo a widow for more than 40 years.

She is survived by John (Sharon), Chris (Linda), Pete and Gus (Linda) Boss, Margaret (Dennis) McCoy, eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

As a young adult Jo helped her family through the hard times of the Great Depression in Holland. She then began raising her family during five years of occupation of the 2nd World War. Subsequently she was the driving force behind the family move to the U.S. in 1951 settling in Ripon, CA. Her “angel”, daughter Margaret arrived soon after in 1953. In 1961 she re-started her teaching career by being one of Stanislaus State’s first graduates and achieving her teaching credential. She was assigned to the facilities of DVI in Tracy and California

Youth Authority, OH Close School, Stockton. After mandatory retirement at age 67 Jo kept working as a full time volunteer teacher at OH Close until age 94. In 1997 the “Johanna Boss High School” was dedicated at that site. Jo also traveled extensively, visiting all the continents of the world, ranging from an ice safari in Iceland to a jungle safari in Africa. She will always be remembered for her tenacity and motto “Never Give Up”. Interment will be on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 10 A.M. in the Ripon Cemetery, followed by 11 A.M. memorial service at Calvary Reformed Church in Ripon. Viewing will be at Deegan’s Funeral Chapel,

2 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Monday, October 29, 2012. Any remembrances may be made in Jo’s name to Bethany Home. For condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.

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Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, October 27, 2012