Jo Moroni: ‘An artist’s eye’

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Jo Moroni on June 13, 2025, who left this world far too soon at the age of 68.

Jo was born on June 11, 1957, to Louie and Criss Schaafsma at Scotia Hospital. She spent her entire life in the same cherished home where she was raised. This same home where she and her husband, Steve, built a life together and raised their daughters.

Their house was more than a home; it was the heart of the family. It was the place people gravitated to, a safe haven full of love, laughter and maybe a little chaos. When the girls were little, people often stopped to ask if it was a daycare. It wasn’t. It was just Jo’s house! Her house was the kind of place kids never wanted to leave. As the girls grew up, it remained that place where everyone felt welcome to pop in for a quick visit.

She was a proud and devoted mom to Jessica and Jamie, who may have added a few gray hairs along the way, but she cherished them beyond measure. Jo was the kind of mom who could fix every problem with a hug, some glue, or just the right amount of sass. Her parenting was full of humor, honesty, and that fierce love that only moms like her can give. And when she became a grandmother, that love overflowed into her cherished grandkids, Kaden and Jada, who were her pride and joy.

Her life was a shining example of love, strength, and selflessness. Whether offering a warm hug and a listening ear, Jo had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and better about the world around them. You always left feeling better after talking it through with Jo.

She touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and generous spirit. She spent many years working at Criss’ Flowers & Gifts, creating beautiful arrangements that brightened people’s days. She had an artist’s eye not just for flowers, but for all kinds of crafts and handmade creations, many of which decorate her home and yard. Her garden was a thing of beauty overflowing with flowers, vegetables, and love. Jo had a special touch.

Halloween was her season. Her yard transformed into a festive wonderland with skeletons, spookiness, and one-of-a-kind handmade decorations. Every year had a theme. And of course, her yearly clam chowder. Steve normally had the very serious job of counting trick-or-treaters. If you were around, you might be drafted into the decorating, passing out candy, or helping in some way. That was Jo’s way: if she loved you, she included you.

Jo gave without needing to be asked. Her acts of kindness spoke volumes. She was a soft place to land and someone you could always count on. Jo didn’t need a spotlight because she was the light.

She loved the simple pleasures: collecting seashells at Shelly Beach, quick casino trips, hours spent stargazing from the front yard. Sometimes it was a “get your blanket and lay in the grass lets gaze at the Milky Way” kind of night. She enjoyed her drives over the hill to Island Mountain to spend time with her love, Steve whether for hunting, stargazing, pretending to relax, or just taking a step away from reality together.

Though her passing was unexpected, her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the many memories we will hold close forever.

Jo was preceded in death by her father, Louie Schaafsma; her in-laws, Lou and Marge Moroni; her brother, John Schaafsma; her brother-in-law, Bruce Tucker; and her dear friend, Kurt Mitchell.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Steve Moroni — her best friend and one true love; her daughters, Jessica and Jamie Moroni; her beloved grandchildren, Kaden and Jada; her mother, Criss Schaafsma; her Aunt Grace Evans; her siblings, Jim (TinaMarie) Schaafsma and Jan Tucker; her sister-in-law, Jackie Dugan; her brother-in-law, Mike (Cindy) Moroni; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were lucky to call her “Aunt Jo” and later, “Grandma Jo.” To so many, she was more than family; she was a second mom, a guiding light, and a source of comfort when things were hard.

She leaves a hole that no words can fill, but her spirit lives on in every flower that blooms, every craft project, every shell collected, and every memory we hold close. She will forever be with us in our heart.

A celebration of Jo’s life will be held at a later day as the family mourns her loss in private.

She was deeply loved.

She will be forever missed.