Remembering Jo-Jo, Jo-Ann Sloane

Jo-Ann Sloane (at right) with Plainfield's Linda Carter* in 2006.

Today, May 7, marks the birthday of our dearly departed friend, Jo-Ann Sloane, who died in February of 2008. Jo-Jo, as we affectionately called her, worked at the Lyon VA Hospital and at the Plainfield Area YMCA. Jo-Jo was also an integral part of the Plainfield political and activist community, serving as treasurer for the late Mayor Al McWilliams and for New Democrats for Plainfield, the political club founded by Al and a bunch of us, some of whom are now elected officials here in Plainfield. 

A die-hard Eagles fan, Jo-Jo's car was always decked out with Eagles gear--whenever we rode together in her car, I always felt like I was in an Eagles pro shop! Jo-Ann was a part of a "Black Biographies" book club that some of our mutual friends started--her commentary was always insightful (and often very humorous).   Some of you will also remember Jo-Ann's favorite wine, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, a bottle of which she always brought to special occasions and parties. I remember one Thanksgiving when Jo-Jo brought a bottle over to my house and my sister thought that adding some of the wine to her ginger ale would make a tasty spritzer--the look that Jo-Ann (who was mock-horrified at the idea of diluting the wine) gave her was priceless: "Not my $20 bottle of wine"... 

Jo-Jo's  laugh is one of the things that I remember most--beginning with a sort of a cackle and then moving to a deep guffaw. I miss her. It's been a little over nine years since we lost her to cancer, but she will always be our hearts. May she continue to rest in God's peace.

Best,

Rebecca

*At the time, Linda Carter was serving as Councilwoman At-large for the 1st and 4th Wards. She now serves on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.