Jo-Ann Longshore Mahony died Friday, November 10, 2023, at the age of 82.

Born in Pennsylvania on August 18, 1941, she was the daughter of John Peters Longshore, Sr., and Estelle Georgeanna Morgan Longshore. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael James Joseph Mahony, and her brother, John Peters Longshore, Jr. She is survived by her sister-in-law Shirley Irene James Longshore; niece Patricia JoAnn Longshore Jackson, husband Jeffery Chad Jackson and great niece Caroline Ivy Jackson; Nephew James Morgan Longshore and wife Bianca Mina; niece Irene Elisabeth Longshore Wilhelm, husband Simon Wilhelm and great nephew Jaromir Wilhelm; and niece Kathryn Marie Longshore.

Jo-Ann was raised in New York City, growing up in Jackson Heights, Queens. She had a successful career in the advertising agencies of New York City and network television in San Diego until her late 30s when she returned to New York to spend time with her family, especially her nieces and nephew. There she met Michael and soon they left for Hampton, Virginia, where Michael was beginning a job. They were married at St. John's Episcopal Church, Hampton, in June 1983. Jo-Ann began a job at the Mariners' Museum, where she worked until her retirement, gaining accolades for her ability to go above the call of duty and make a difference through her commitment to the museum's goals. In her Hampton community, she went where she was needed. She and Michael shared their home with teenagers at risk through a local program. Later, she delivered food for Meals on Wheels.

A "cradle Episcopalian," Jo-Ann joined Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hampton and was an active member of the congregation, a willing and very able participant in programs to benefit the church members and the community. Her keen intellect and open-mindedness combined with her determination to examine issues and thoughtfully go to the heart of them, made her a valuable member of various groups. She especially enjoyed Bible study, Book Club and initiated a card ministry among other activities at Emmanuel. She was a member of the Caregivers support group. She was always ready to volunteer her time, effort and expertise.

Jo-Ann was compassionate and resilient when faced with misfortune. Her wit and droll sense of humor was accompanied by a warm wide smile and a laugh straight from the heart. Fiercely independent and determined to do what she thought was right, she was known for her letters to the editor of The Daily Press, many of which were printed. They were well thought out in examining issues she felt passionate about. For a number of years she wrote a popular column in the Press directed at seniors but with universal themes that most readers could relate to in their own lives. Jo-Ann, always curious and looking for answers, was a voracious reader all her life, educating herself and giving her an ability to examine issues and write with clarity in her own unique voice.

Jo-Ann loved the beach from the time she discovered it when growing up near the Atlantic Ocean beaches. Throughout her life she sought the peace and privacy being near the water gave her. She found these special times at the Chesapeake in Hampton. She shared her love of bookstores with her great niece Caroline and they traded Barnes and Noble gift cards with each other throughout the year. She found solace when surrounded by books and chose them carefully. She liked to knit - caps and blankets and scarves - always for others. She favored bright colors. She loved the music and style of Frank Sinatra. She adored her cats over the years, especially Carmella, who died a few months after Michael.

Jo-Ann was determined to be self-reliant throughout her life. She never lost her New York sophistication or urban sensibility. Almost to the end, she read The Daily Press and The New York Times every day. She admired strong women and she was one. She was generous and kind, sensitive to others, and their feelings and ideas, thoughtful while listening, then responding. She's been called a sage, a person with wisdom that comes with age and experience, a truth seeker. She will be dearly missed and loved always by her family and friends and her Emmanuel Church community.

Rest in Peace and love, dear Jo-Ann.

There is a Memorial Service Friday, December 1 at 11 A.M at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 179 East Mercury Blvd., Hampton, 757-723-8144. The service will be streamed live on Emmanuel's Facebook page,which can be accessed from the church's website: www.eechampton.org

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church.