Nurse
Published in the January 29, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Jo-Ann M. (Henderson) Bishop, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 26 at age 57.
Born on June 10, 1958 in Melrose, she was raised one of six children to Phyllis and the late Dorsey Henderson in Melrose. She was a graduate of Melrose High School and received her L.P.N. from Melrose-Wakefield School of Nursing.
As a young nurse, Jo-Ann worked on Med-3 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital for many years. After gaining nursing experience, she worked as a medical secretary in the office of Dr. Harney and later for Dr. Lynch at North Suburban Orthopedics. Jo-Ann was a kind and gentle nurse who put patients at ease. She was genuine in her desire to help people and had a special way with the elderly. Jo-Ann’s most recent and current position was back working with patients as an LPN at Ledgewood Rehabilitation in Beverly.
Jo-Ann was an active member and officer of the Melrose Elks Club No. 1031 for many years, and more recently joined the Medford-Malden Elks Club No. 915. For several years, she enjoyed vacations with her friends and family to Florida or Las Vegas with the annual Elks convention.
Jo-Ann was an honest, caring woman who worked hard to be independent, but stayed close to her family throughout life. She was close to all six of her siblings, cherished her many nieces and nephews, and loved being all together at holidays.
Jo-Ann enjoyed being with her family and friends, but was also happy to spend time at home watching sports, cooking or watching a movie with Laurel. Jo-Ann was great at spoiling her only daughter, and worked full-time to help put her through college. They travelled together, shopped together and laughed together. She and Laurel shared recipes, backyard barbecues, holidays, a love for country music, and more recently, a love for Laurel’s new dog, Kuno.
For Jo-Ann, her motherly wish of happiness for Laurel was fulfilled three months ago as she watched Laurel and Damian get married. They had a special relationship and each hold a place in each other’s hearts forever. Jo-Ann will be lovingly remembered by her many friends and dear family members.
Jo-Ann was the beloved and caring mother of Laurel R. (LaVita) Neubauer and her husband Damian of Peabody. She was the cherished daughter of Phyllis (Martin) Henderson and the late Dorsey Henderson. She was the loving sister of Diana L. Tonnessen and her husband David of Seabrook, New Hampshire; Walter E. Henderson of Ossipee, New Hampshire; Dorothy J. Jenkins and her husband Brett of Effingham, New Hampshire; Lois A. Connor of Effingham, New Hampshire; and Karen M. Henderson of Melrose. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, one nephew, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Jo-Ann during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Jan. 29 from 4-8 p.m., and again for her Funeral Service celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. For directions or online tribute visit, RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
