Jo Slusher

Jo passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, following her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her loving family and dear friend, Judy, from her school days. Jo was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on January 13, 1954, the second of three children born to James and Marilyn Slusher. When Jo was about twelve years old, the family moved to Portage, Michigan. Jo was a proud member of the class of '72 of Portage Central High School (the Mustangs), from which she remained friends with many classmates. Jo had been employed with WMU, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and recently retired from Disability Network of Southwest Michigan, where she took genuine pleasure and satisfaction in being of assistance to their clients. Jo took so much pride in her work and loved helping the clients that walked into her office on a daily basis. Jo was a warm, loving woman whose family was of prime importance, whether attending grandchildren's events, taking them on a road trip to visit family, or just spending time together. Gardening was one of her favorite pastimes, cultivating beautiful flowers for everyone to enjoy; spring tulips and summer sunflowers brought her a special joy. Also, Jo enjoyed the annual women-only camping trips: telling great stories, enjoying horses, nature walks, and just having that time with her daughter and friends. Jo is survived by her loving mother, Marilyn Slusher (92) of Kentucky; her partner of twenty-four years, Steven Gouin; her brother, James, of Kentucky; her sister, Linda, of New Mexico; her cherished daughter, Sara (Octavio) Lopez; her dear son, Joseph (Jennifer) Slusher; along with her precious grandchildren, Eliana and Alyssa Lopez and C.J. and Damian Slusher. Jo was preceded in death by her father, James, and other family members. Cremation has taken place per Jo's wishes and a celebration of life will take place on May 16, 2020. Details will come from her family to the ones needing information. In the words of Jo, "Live like today is your last and love those who mean the most to you, as tomorrow is never promised."