Jo-Ann Rattray
September 1940 – June 15, 2025
Jo-Ann Marie Rattray, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 15, 2025, surrounded by her beloved children.
Born in St. Thomas, Ontario, Jo-Ann spent the majority of her life in her hometown, though she ventured to Montreal at the age of 18 where she married and started her family. Her early married life took her across Canada to British Columbia, where she raised her children as a devoted single mother.
Jo-Ann was the daughter of Mary (Pressey/Land) Birchall and Percy Land/Tom Birchall. She was a cherished sister to Sue (Max) Ward and Bette (Ron) Brownell, with whom she shared a weekly card game for over 20 years. She also leaves behind loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends from Ontario to British Columbia.
She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Robin (Debbie) Rattray, Debbie (Gord) Stojkovic, Peggy Rattray, Lisa (Chris) Card, and Melanie (Ken) Osmond. Jo-Ann was a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren-Travis, Celisha, Beckie, Jennifer, Brandon, Linzy, Ryan, Brad, Sean, Dillon, Tanner, Keenan, Jessika, and Kenny—as well as 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
A woman of incredible determination, Jo-Ann returned to school at Douglas College to study Interior Design while raising her children. She later moved her family back to St. Thomas so they could grow up close to extended family.
She worked for Steevco, the Board of Education during the rise of the computer age, taught adult education at Fanshawe College, and retired from the Elgin and St. Thomas Housing Authority.
Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. A longtime member of St. Thomas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Jo-Ann served in many roles including Sunday School teacher, prayer chain coordinator, deacon, elder, secretary, and trustee.
After her children left home, she became an active member of the Quota International Club for Women.
Among many initiatives, she helped the club donate the first newborn hearing screening equipment to Elgin General Hospital. She also was a long-time member/volunteer for Serenity House Hospice demonstrating her lifelong commitment to serving others.
Jo-Ann had a gift for making a house a home. She was a gardener, baker, reader, and proud “craftaholic.” Her scrapbooks-each one lovingly created for her children and grandchildren-are treasured legacies of the life and love she shared so freely. She brought joy to every holiday (especially Christmas), found excitement in every trip to the Dollar Store or Temu delivery and brought humor and heart to every conversation.
Jo-Ann will be remembered as a mother to many, a loyal friend, and a woman whose life was a testament to faith, family, and resilience. Her love knew no bounds, and her legacy will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo-Ann’s memory to Hospice of Elgin.
A Celebration of Life date will be on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the St. Thomas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 451 Wellington St. St. Thomas starting at 1pm where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honour her remarkable life.