Joann "Jo" Foucart

Joann “Jo” Shelley Foucart

“Jo” Shelley Foucart, age 85, of Lancaster, was called home to be with God, on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. She was blessed to be at her residence with family and friends.

Jo was born on November 5, 1931, in Mt. Pleasant Mills, Pa, the only child of the late Mildred Naomi (Shelley) and Paul A. Sierer. She was raised in Lewistown Pa., and graduated from LHS in 1949. She attended Syracuse University, then transferred to Gettysburg College and graduated, in 1953, with a B.S in Journalism and the college honor of Phi Beta Kappa. She was a member of Alpha XI Delta Fraternity. She was the class correspondent for from 1959-2013.

Jo was excited to pursue her career and did so for a few years, until she met the love of her life, Donald D. Foucart, a ceramics engineer, also from Lewistown. They married in 1956 and she and the expanding family moved from Michigan, to Indiana, and finally to Lancaster, Ohio.

This is where her journey began! Jo thoroughly enjoyed encouraging her four children and eight grandchildren to experience all they could in life, including music, sports, Scouts, and travel. She shared her love of reading with them by involving them at a very early age to visit the library, to participating in the yearly library summer reading programs, and gifting creative and challenging books at Christmas. This love of reading assisted each child to advance to college. She joyfully participated in their many successes. She lovingly recognized each child for their individualism and for the blessings they brought to her life.

She loved Lancaster and actively participated in varied levels of volunteerism which included; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, as a former council member for the care and outreach ministries, WELCA, Lydia Circle, and prayer chain member. She was one of the initial members of the Fairfield Area Task Force with Lutheran Social Services in developing a food pantry in 1985 and she continued to be a volunteer, as a member of St. Peter’s church, until these last few years.

She was also a founding member of the Fairfield County District Library Friends, serving as president, vice-president, and secretary. As well as, president on the Board of Ohio Friends.

Jo was a lifetime Girl Scout, and served as day camp director, Brownie and Cadette leaders, and council member.

In addition, Jo had many other passions including 30 years in various capacities involved with The Lancaster Community Concert Series, the League of Women Voters, Home Extension, Froeble Study Club, and Alpha XI Delta (attaining a 50 year membership in 2001). She also loved creating beautiful china painting artwork, spending time with her faith family, and playing bridge with her lifelong friends.

Jo is survived by her daughters, Ann O’Hanlon, home caregiver for the last 3 years, Lancaster, Ohio, Janet (Jeff) E. Whitehead, Lancaster, Ohio, Mary (Don)S. Deacon, Weddington, N.C., and son, David (Wendy) P. Foucart, Bremen, Ohio ; 8 grandchildren, Will, Mike, Jared, Jace, Casey, Kyle, Rachel, and Sam; and 1 great-granddaughter, Hannah Belle Hardyman.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband of 30 years, Donald, in 1986.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 105 E. Mulberry St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130 with Diane Schwiger-Alexander, AIM officiating. Family and friends may visit 1 hour prior to the service at the church and after the service on Monday. Caring Cremation® has taken place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130.

Thank you to all who helped care for Jo; all staff involved from FairHoPe Hospice, Home Instead and Home Helpers, especially Chelsey, Luke, and Vickie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 105 E. Mulberry St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130, Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry, 2045 E. Main St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130, or FairHoPe Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

To send an online condolence, and , please visit www.funeralhome.com.

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ,Monday, November 21, 2016
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
105 E. Mulberry St. Lancaster, OH 43130

Memorial Service

11:00 AM ,Monday, November 21, 2016
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
105 E. Mulberry St. Lancaster, OH 43130