Jo Ann Albro

Jo Ann Gransbery Albro, age 84, of West Jordan, Utah, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, at Sunrise of Sandy.

Jo Ann was born July 17th, 1941 in Dillon, MT, where she was raised by Edward H. and Agnes (Murphy) Gransbery. She grew up in a loving family with her siblings, Virginia and Don. She graduated from Beaverhead High School and attended University of Montana Western.

Jo Ann married James L. Albro on March 19, 1960. Their life together took them from Helena, MT, to Cheyenne, WY, where they raised five children. Jo Ann took on many roles: wife, mother, childcare provider, Boy Scout leader, and Catechism instructor, all while remaining a proud and devoted fan of her children’s many sporting events.

Driven by a lifelong spirit of generosity and service, Jo Ann’s commitment extended beyond her home. She dedicated herself to local causes, organizing for the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association, and was known to feed any neighborhood child or school friend who landed on her doorstep. Her dedication to creating a sense of belonging continued in Salt Lake City, where she took an active role in the Newcomers Club, helping others to get acquainted and meet new friends in the Salt Lake area. Jo Ann’s character of giving led to her passionate focus for P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), serving in multiple Chapter and State roles to champion the cause of educational support for women. Jo Ann’s legacy is defined by the countless lives she touched through her continuous interactions and varied service across every community she called home.

Jo Ann started her career at US West (now Lumen) in Cheyenne, WY, and witnessed the evolution of technological advances from local switchboard operations, to dial-up, and modern mobile and wireless technology. A job transfer took her to Boise, ID where she worked until her retirement in 2006.

After the death of her husband, Jo Ann moved to Salt Lake City, UT, to be closer to family. She quickly became an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and joined several book clubs pursuing her active interest in reading and lifelong learning.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Agnes Gransbery; her husband, James L. Albro; her sister, Virginia Lee Bolton; and her brother, Don Gransbery.

Jo Ann is survived by her children: Jim Albro (Kimberly), Thom Albro, Terry McKenzie (Scott), Beth Bastian (James), and Mark Albro (Jessica Costa). Jo Ann celebrated being the proud and devoted grandmother of eight grandchildren: Aaron and Adam Albro, Katie and Annie McKenzie, Nicole and Samantha Albro, and Baden and Emily Bastian. She was also a much loved great-grandmother to June McKenzie, and is survived by her sisters-in-law Gayle Gransbery, Arlene Barlow, Jeri Albro, and Pat Albro.

The Albro family will receive guests for a Celebration of Life honoring Jo Ann to be on Monday, October 27th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 28th at 11:00 am at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7405 South Redwood Road, West Jordan. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy.

Memorial donations can be made to P.E.O. (https://www.peoutah.org/donate). Please choose either the P.E.O. International Donations Link or the P.E.O. Utah Donations Link. When donating, please indicate in memory of Jo Ann Albro, AE/UT.