Born in 1930 in the Gallowgate section of Glasgow, Scotland, Jo was one of 14 children (can you imagine that?). She grew up in a city divided by the Clyde River but united together in a world headed to war. The Clyde raids on the nights of 13th and 14th of March 1941 destroyed most businesses with over 1,200 dead and thousands more seriously injured. Over the course of two nights, 500 bombers dropped in excess of 272 tons of bombs. Out of approximately 12,000 houses, only eight remained undamaged. Over 35,000 people were left homeless.

This war shaped Jo’s life, even to the end.

In 1939, just days after war had been declared, thousands of children were evacuated from Glasgow in a hurried lifesaving operation. Operation Pied Piper saw a staggering 3 million people across the UK relocated in a matter of days, including Jo and her 12 siblings. Jo was relocated to a farm and then to a country manor that she spoke so fondly of, even until the end, and although short in duration, the memories of those halcyon days lasted her lifetime.

After the war ended, she met and married William John Campbell or John, as he was known to everyone. He was a soldier in the Scot’s Black Watch during WW2 and returned to civilian life as a journeyman electrician. They met at a dance and from that day forward Jo and John were inseparable. Married soon after, they began their family in Scotland raising 3 sons.

Deciding that America was the land of opportunity, on July 4th 1963 Jo and John moved the family lock, stock and barrel to begin a new life, and added two more children, the rest as they say is our history.

After raising their family, in 1990 Jo and John retired to their home in the hills of Pennsylvania where they began a new life. They loved their home with the views of the surrounding farms. Sadly, in July of 2001, John stricken with cancer, passed on surrounded by his beloved Jo, his loving family and the wonderful hospice nurses.

Jo, ever the intrepid trailblazer, took over the family reins and began a new chapter in her life in Pennsylvania. To say she had spirit was an understatement.

Then about two years ago after her forgetfulness became more pronounced, a doctor visit revealed early stage dementia and eventually Alzeimer’s Disease.

Then the worse came.

The pandemic that claimed so many lives, ultimately claimed hers. Diagnosed with Covid-19 earlier this year, she sadly succumbed to the dreaded disease in a matter of a few short months.

She is greatly missed by all.

Jo passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her memories on April 9th.

It was a life well lived. She not only leaves behind her children but 3 grandchildren, Alexander, Christopher and Andrew. May her memories be a blessing for all who knew her.

Wear a mask. Get a jab. Save a life.