Morris – Jo Ann (Schrager) Battistoni, 73, passed away on Saturday, May 30, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.
Jo Ann was born February 7, 1947 in New Britain, daughter of the late Donald and Josephine (Schultz) Schrager.
Jo Ann is survived by her significant other, Vincent P. Aiello of Morris; her son, Michael P. Battistoni and his wife Kristin of Haddam; her sister, Donna Martin and her husband Romeo of Plainville; her grandchildren, Alex and Brigitte Battistoni of Haddam and two nephews, Scott and Eric Martin.
As a lifetime member of the Morris Fire Department, she was the first female certified as a Fire Fighter-1 member. She also served as EMS Coordinator for ten years and served as a lieutenant for several years. She retired from the Fire Department after twenty years of service.
She cared for people as a nurse for over thirty years in different capacities eventually retiring from the State of Connecticut.
Jo Ann enjoyed dancing with the German Alpenland Tanzer group for many years.
She sang with the Donau Choral Society of New Britain in her youth.
She was an active member of the Morris Land Trust, senior member of the Morris Congregational Church, and the Audubon society.
Jo Ann was an avid quilter and seamstress. She made two wedding dresses for her family.
She is known for her gourd paintings. Jo Ann won many awards at the Bethlehem fair for her crafts. She was an avid birdwatcher and loved painting them.
Jo Ann lived with cancer for over forty years, but never let it stop her sense of adventure. She traveled and experienced the world with family and friends. She was able to watch her family grow up. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. She loved walking on the beach and feeling the sand on her feet. Cancer was a large part of her life, yet it did not let it define her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Little Guild animal shelter in West Cornwall, CT or the Morris Congregational Church.
A memorial service and celebration of Jo Ann's life will be held on Saturday, June 27, starting at 11:00 AM at 156 Benton Rd. in Morris. The event will take place outdoors, and dress is casual.