The extremely witty, fun loving, strong, intelligent, honorary royal (according to her children) Jo Ellen Geary said her final farewell to this world on June 22, 2023. Jo Ellen was born to Charles and Jeanette (Peoples) Bonasera in Iowa on July 10th, 1948.
At a very young age, she developed a passion for collecting antiques, so much so that some would call it hoarding. Jo Ellen and her best friend Krissy would be at every estate sale, garage sale, flea market, or Goodwill looking for anything old, unique, and funky. It wasn’t just shopping for antiques that brought a twinkle to her eyes, it was all kinds of shopping! Whether she was shopping for clothes, jewelry or shoes, she had a very eclectic taste and loved a bargain. Whoever wrote the quote “Shop til’ you drop”, they definitely wrote it for her. She loved listening and singing along to the music from the Beatles to Bruce Springsteen. She was a hopeless romantic, who indulged in movies such as Gone with the Wind, Phantom of the Opera and Titanic. Jo Ellen had a huge heart, she loved dogs, cats, birds, squirrels, all animals really. But nothing compares to the love she had for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends. Those of us that loved her will definitely miss her sense of humor and her infectious laugh. The world has lost a truly unique soul.
Jo Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Jeanette (Peoples) Bonasera and her niece Courtney Levee. She is survived by her sister Cheryl (Joel) Levee, her children Jeffrey (Lacy) Radomski and Megan (Sean) Conway, her grandchildren Jordan, Tyler, Aaron, Ryan, Morgan, Devin and Payton, her great grandchildren Mia, Sage, Link, Lily and Sophia, and her former spouse Richard Geary. She also leaves behind many other family members, dear friends and her sweet cat Mr. Gray. Private services will be held.
