Joanne "Jo" Frances Fitzpatrick

Joanne Frances (Jo) Fitzpatrick passed away August 22, 2023, in Placerville, CA at the age of 96. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on June 25,1927, the daughter of the late Emil and Mary Karnik. Joanne is survived by a daughter, Peggy (Stan) Wisneski, of Pioneer, California; two sons Jim (Gloria) Fitzpatrick, of Zephyr Cove, Nevada, and Jerry (Debbie) Fitzpatrick, of Ashland, Oregon. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Michelle (Robert) Walker, Nick (Sarah), Mattias (Izzy), Kristin (Alex) Fitzpatrick, Zachary Fitzpatrick and 3 great grandchildren, Gabe Walker, Sawyer, and Blayne Fitzpatrick. Joanne is preceded in death by her husband Larry, brother, Jim and sisters, Elenore, and Pauline. Joanne grew up in Berkeley and graduated from Presentation Catholic high school there. While in High School, Joanne always found work to help with the family expenses as her mom was widowed at an early age. Joanne babysat, worked as a cashier, and in a cannery where her job was to put 8 cherries into a can of fruit cocktail. Joanne attended UC Berkeley for one semester, however the need to help the family took precedence. She looked for work and was hired by Crown Zellerback, in San Francisco, as a typist. It was there that she met Larry Fitzpatrick who was working for IBM repairing typewriters. Joanne’s colleagues worked hard to set the couple up for a date. It was on that date that she learned that Larry was Catholic and was a very respectful young man. Married in 1948, the new couple bought their first home in Richmond, California and started their family. Later they moved to El Cerrito where they raised 3 children. Larry and Joanne spent many weekends camping in Amador pines. Many treasured memories were made with family and friends on the property. Following Larry’s retirement from IBM they built and later moved into a custom Cedar home. They became very involved in the church, attending Mass and volunteering to clean the church. They loved the Parish and all the people. “Everyday thanks are given to God for giving us such a great life. We have been truly blessed.” A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, Pioneer, CA. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joanne’s name to Our Lady of the Pines Society at 11361 Prospect Dr. Jackson, CA 95642.