Obituary of Jo Ann Wade Matthews

Matthews, Jo Ann Wade, 93, a native of St. Petersburg passed away September 20, 2023 in Hospice Care at Mid Pinellas Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rosalie Matthews, five siblings and their spouses, Mary Schlagheck (Joseph), Rose Lee (Robert), George Matthews (Marjorie), Clara Blowers (Jay) and Elizabeth Matthews. Jo Ann is survived by nieces and nephews: Penny Bickley (Fred), Mary Ann Kelley (Larry), Joseph Schlagheck, Donna Hooker (Roger), Deborah Canning, Kevin Blowers (Roseanne), Cathy Blowers, Mark Matthews (Stephanie), David Matthews (Charlotte), Brian Matthews (Terri) and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann was a graduate of St. Paul’s High School, St. Petersburg in 1948. She Joined the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York. She graduated from St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY and took Master studies in Education at St. Mary University, San Antonio, TX. She taught at many Catholic Schools in Florida and then spent nine years as a missionary in the state of Goias, Brazil.

In 1979, after 30 years, she left the convent, but continued her career as a teacher and Director of Religious Education at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and St. Patrick Catholic School, both in Clearwater, FL.

After retiring she worked for H&R Block for 10 years. She was devoted to friends and neighbors and would help anyone who needed assistance in any way she could. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church.

There will be a memorial service Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation: 727-467-7423. Visit the family’s personalized online guestbook at www.andersonmcqueen.com.