Jo Ann Tolman

On Monday, May 17, 2021 Heaven became a little brighter and better as our dear Jo Ann escaped the confines of her frail and tired body to greet many beloved family members and friends who had gone before her.

Jo Ann Tolman, faithful daughter, sister, and friend, as well as a remarkable leader and teacher, was born on November 30, 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Thelma Egan and Charles Tolman. Her daddy passed away when she was only 6 years old. She was educated in Salt Lake City Schools, graduating from South High. Later, she served a mission to Brazil.

She worked as an executive secretary for years, taking summers off to serve as Director of the Brighton Girls Camp for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Staff members and campers alike, were loved, inspired, and taught by Jo Ann’s exceptional example. She wanted the girls in her care to increase their love of God, to appreciate the beauty of the mountains, and especially to sing and laugh and make many new friends.

After giving six summers to Brighton, she then decided her true calling was teaching. She put herself through the University of Utah School of Education, and was hired right after graduation.  She taught middle and high school English at Northwest Middle School, and then West High. She was given assignments to work with advanced placement and extended learning students, but could also handle a class full of star football players. Jo Ann related to and loved teenagers, and knew how to encourage and inspire them to do their best. She loved and supported her coworkers, and related well to parents and administrators.

Retirement came in 1999, after twenty years of teaching. Health problems had begun to plague her, but she stayed active in her church and community. Many people have been the recipients of her kindness and generosity over the years; she was sending out birthday and thank you cards right up until the last week of her life. Jo Ann faced her many physical challenges with courage, grace, and determination. She would want all of us to do a little better to stay in touch with loved ones, to give and serve unselfishly, and to make the world a brighter place.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by both parents and her brother David. She is survived by her sister, Janis Hansen (Ed), her brother, Michael Heath (Leslie), two aunts and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Her family would like to thank all of the health care workers who have assisted in Jo Ann’s care over the last several years.

An informal visitation/memorial will be held for family and close friends on Monday, May 24, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Mountain View Third Ward building located at 1889 S. 1700 East in Salt Lake City.