Jo Ann Stahl

Jo Ann Stahl, 84, was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She battled breast cancer for a number of years and sadly passed away peacefully in her Lafayette, CA home on September 21st, 2022. She was born in 1938 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and was the seventh (and final) daughter of Orrin and Edith White. Jo Ann grew up in a small Iowa farm town in Badger, and was the only student in her grade. She moved to the 'big city' of Fort Dodge when she was nine and it was then she started 'California Dreaming' and always wanted to move out west. She received her teaching credentials from Iowa University and her dreams were realized when she was recruited to teach in Berkeley, CA. Her life quickly changed as she met the love of her life, Jake Stahl, while looking for her first apartment in Oakland. They would marry and spend the next 54 years together, lovingly devoted to each other until the end. Jo Ann ended up teaching for 20 years and after having two sons, started another 20 year career in health care, finally retiring from Sutter Hospital. Although small in size and quiet in nature, Jo Ann possessed larger than life traits. She was sweet, caring, loving, and loyal. Jo Ann passed along wise guidance, both to her students and family. She had an incredible sense of humor and the ability to laugh at herself in any situation. She appreciated her family and friends and always would write a thank you card for almost any occasion. She held a hidden skill and enjoyment of dancing and possessed a natural talent for painting. She was an avid reader, loyal local sports fan, and volunteered at the Lafayette Library. Jo Ann enjoyed playing bridge and watching her grandchildren's sporting events. Most importantly, her priority was unconditional love for her family. Jo Ann will be deeply missed by all that knew her. We are grateful for the support she received through the Bridge hospice staff along with friends and family. Jo Ann is survived by her loving husband, Jake Stahl; devoted son Mark Stahl; caring daughter-in-law Clarissa Stahl; affectionate grandchildren Lidia and Shea Stahl; and thoughtful sister Orrine Chute. October is breast cancer awareness month and we are hopeful that future generations of women can live cancer free through awareness and education. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. A celebration of life will be held at a future date for family and friends. If interested in the details, please reach out to Mark Stahl ([email protected]) A celebration of Life, contact family for information