Jo Ann Richichi
Jo Ann Richichi, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2021 in Houston, Texas, after saying “the long goodbye” of Alzheimer’s Disease for more than 10 years. She will be remembered as being the first to welcome newcomers with home-baked goodies, her passion for music, and love of travel. She was “a people person” who was happiest when she was making memories with cherished friends. Jo Ann was born in O’Fallon, Illinois, lived many years in St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1969 moved to the Clear Lake area of Houston with her surviving husband of 70 years, John F. Richichi. She is also survived by daughter Janet Adams of Houston; and son Jeff Richichi of League City, Texas. In Heaven, she joins her parents, Arta and Ted Sollis, sister Jacqueline Loudermilk, many dear friends, and her beloved dogs, Jigs and Heidi.
After graduating valedictorian of her class at O’Fallon Township High School, Jo Ann devoted the majority of her life to home, family and friends. All the while, she attended church on Sundays, sung in the choir for nearly 50 years, played the piano beautifully, and participated in several lady’s social clubs. Her love of music was evident as an Assistant Music Teacher at Clear Lake Elementary School, and a private piano teacher for over 20 years. She was also an avid bowler and bridge player well into her golden years. As a life-long member of the Order of the Eastern Star O’Fallon Chapter, Jo Ann was the youngest Worthy Matron ever elected in the entire state of Illinois. She was an active member of the Bay Area Officer’s Wives Club where she held several leadership positions, and also a member of Clear Lake United Methodist Church. She and John travelled the globe and volunteered as election poll workers after his retirement from NASA. Jo Ann showed love and kindness to every single person she met along her journey. This is her legacy for us to carry forward in her memory.
The family plans a private memorial and celebration to be held on Jo Ann’s 91st birthday, February 16, 2021.
So sorry to hear of this sweet woman’s passing. I remember her throwing me a bridal luncheon back in 1983. She had a very kind soul. What a dear friend to our family. My sympathies go out to the whole Richichi family as her passing is mourned.
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I was one of Mrs. Richichi’s piano students for eight years back in the 80s. I’ll remember her for her warmth, her infectious love of music, and her patience with my not always practicing or wanting to pick some simple 80s pop song to play instead of something from one of the John Schaum books. RIP, my friend.