Obituary: Jo Wilson

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 23, 2003

"Festivarian"

Jo has danced on to another place March 22, 2003 after living with ovarian cancer for almost two years.

Karen Jo Goodfader Wilson was born Sept 6, 1953 in Auburn, NY. Grew up in Honolulu, HI, 1956-1967, then lived in Rosemont, PA and Oak Harbor, WA before settling in Salt Lake City. Jan 1970. Graduated from Granger High School, June 1971. Married Lane W. Wilson in Elko, NV Dec 1972; later separated.

Worked at JC Penney at Valley Fair Mall 1973-1976. Worked at home as a full-time mother, birthing and nursing three beautiful baby girls, Lindsie Louise, Brooke Anne and Katherine (Katie) Jo. During that special seasoning of mothering, Jo served as a La Leche Leader, offering encouragement and support to other breast-feeding women and then worked as coordinator of Leader Applicants with women applying for leadership.

In 1985, Jo began a long and satisfying partnership with her great friend, Debbie Spivey, owning and operating Lab Courier Service. They transported laboratory specimens of all kinds to and from clinics and hospitals throughout the Salt Lake Valley. In addition, 1985-1990, Jo worked as a phlebotomist at Cottonwood Hospital and performed blood draws on homebound patients.

In 1995, Jo went to work for Allstate Insurance Company, West Jordan, doing the work of three men and countless policyholders until 1998. At that time she went to work for the Episcopal Diocese of Utah with some of the warmest, most congenial and caring people in the city, state and universe.

Jo served as a volunteer music programmer at KRCL 90.9 FM from 1989, hosting Thursday Breakfast Jam, 1990-1994, and then Saturday BJ from its inception in the spring of 1995. Jo cherished the opportunity to be involved in this vital community asset and felt the associations that resulted from this endeavor considerably broadened her horizons.

Music was important to Jo. Though she didn't play an instrument she did play O.P.'s (other peoples) and laughed and cried and danced and played to music throughout her life. In the words of Shawn Colvin, "if there were no music, I could not get through."

Jo's loves included her absolutely wonderful, fabulous, terrific, amazing, awesome daughters, Lindsie, Brooke, Katie; her greatest legacy, granddaughter, Maia Jo Walker; longtime husband, friend, and then relative, Lane; her mountains, the inspiring Wasatch, Onion Creek, and all Red Rock country, including Kodachrome, with Brigham's Schlong; The Inter-mountain Acoustic Music Association's intimate concerts and Folk and Bluegrass Festival; Monday night blues at the Dead Goat Saloon; the Folks Fest in Lyons, CO; Red Butte Gardens Concerts; concerts at the old Terrace Ballroom; concerts at the Zephyr Club; musicians too numerous to list.

She loved cackling in the kitchen with friends and family, cooking, traveling, camping, partying, dancing, campfires, won the title of Fire Woman of the "naughties," poking smot, dumpster diving for beer glasses at the end of the Folks Fest (only matched set of glasses she owned), sewing, crocheting, gardening, but most of all, she loved spending time with family and good friends - you know who you are.

Jo said in parting, "During this difficult time, I've been awed and sustained and humbled by the love and support I've received from my dear ones. Thank you so much for being there for me."

Survivors include husband, Lane; daughters, Lindsie (Mrs. Chad) Walker, Brook (Mrs. Brian) Larsen, Katie Jo Wilson; granddaughter, Maia Jo; father, Alan L. Goodfader; brother, Paul Goodfader; stepfather, Ronald K. Bromley; and sisters, Tanya (Jeff) Miller, Andra Bromley. Preceded in death by paternal and maternal grandparents; brother, Dane Charles Bromley Goodfader; and mother, Anne S. Bromley.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to KRCL, Cancer Wellness House, La Leche League International, The Jubilee Center or your favorite charity.

The family would like to send our deep, heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to Heritage Hospice, especially Jeannie and Shar. We would also like to thank the Episcopal Diocese for their unfailing support and assistance.

The celebration of life will be announced at a later date.