JoAnne M. McLaughlin died September 6, 2024, peacefully at her home in Packwaukee, WI. Born March 23, 1945, in Pittston, PA to the late Joseph John McLaughlin and the late Anne Marie (Watson) McLaughlin. She graduated from Aberdeen High School. She was a Veteran of the US Navy. Jo worked at Snap-On Tools, completing an apprenticeship to become Snap-On’s first female Tool and Die Machinist in the state.
On November 30, 2014, married her long-time companion of 36 years, Carol A. Vandenberg.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren who lovingly call her JoMama, named by her grandson, Michael. Playing full weekend marathons of Hand and Foot with her wife, daughter CynDi, and “bonus daughter” Val Nielsen. She was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 38 years. Served as Area 75 (Southern Wisconsin) Delegate. She was a sponsor to many and such an inspiration to numerous recovering people.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her brother Thomas, along with her parents. She is survived by her wife, Carol; their daughter, CynDi (Ryan) Nielsen, sons Roc (Sandra) Bass, Mickey (Kimberly) Bass; brothers Joseph and Larry (Cindy) McLaughlin; nine grandchildren (Michael, Brandon, & Noah Nielsen) (Kamron, Skyler, Caeleb, & Jesse Bass) (Haley [Kaitlyn] Fox) (Austin Siebelink); one great granddaughter, Ava Siebelink; and many nieces and nephews. Jo also leaves behind her furry buddies, Freedom and Radar, her two rescue dogs.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Proko Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10:30am in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, 4300 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha.
