Jo Anne Harken's Obituary
It's with great sadness that we announce JoAnne B. Harken, 87, of San Mateo, California, passed peacefully in her home, while battling pancreatic cancer, on October 12, 2021.
JoAnne was born February 14, 1934 in Waverly, Iowa, to William John Ernest Brooks and Alice Ruth Tyrrell. Family and friends knew her as Jody. She was the elder sister of Mary Jane Capper and John Tyrrell Brooks. On November 22, 1951 she married Irvin Harold Harken of Shell Rock, Iowa. They were married in the historic Little Brown Church of the Vale. In 1961, Irv and Jody headed west with their five young children and made a home for 60 years in the Shoreview neighborhood of San Mateo, California. JoAnne was a proud business owner for over 25 years. She had a talent and passion for decorating, artistry, and hosting loved ones. Her travels led her to many countries, including India, which she dreamed of exploring as a child. Learning about history and sharing her family heritage was a delight for her. JoAnne was a beloved friend, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was feisty, loved to laugh, and would welcome anyone to have a seat at her kitchen table.
JoAnne is survived by her loving companion Gheorghe Savencu, sister Mary Jane Capper, her children Janice Harken-Hamblin (Steve), Debbie Moore, Mary Valdez (Al), John Harken, grandchildren Kendra Hutchinson, Jessica Leapai, Jackie Rouse, Brooke Harken, Matt Harken, Niko Comtois, great-grandchildren Jocelyn, Alysa, Layla, Evelyn, Audrey, and Iosua.
JoAnne's husband Irvin Harken, children Jeffrey Harken, Kathy Comtois, grandson Aaron Tornay, and brother John Brooks preceded her in death.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 1:00 pm, at Skylawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park on Highway 92 and Skyline Blvd. in San Mateo, California.
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