I’m so sorry for this loss. I always hoped to reconnect with Jody after our childhood and was never able to. We were great pals as young cousins. My love to her entire family.
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To Lauren, Lilly, and family
Sorry it’s taken so long to leave a comment but the passing of your mom truly took me by surprise and buckled me more than I ever could have imagined. I adored your mom. She was one of those characters you rarely meet in life but make such a huge impact on. Her laugh was contagious, her style was unparalleled, her heart was as big as the moon and I truly couldn’t love her more. She teased at work that was her husband and I felt honored and proud to have that title. Jojo, Emily and I had a bond that couldn’t be broken. The three of us took care of each other and shared so much, good and bad. One of my favorite things about Jojo is how she would light up when she would talk about her girls or her grandkids. Family was everything to her and that included our little family at work. I’ll never forget her, I hope she knew how much I loved her. Jojo thank you for making me a lucky husband.
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The other night I was sharing the loss of Jody with one of our roommates from long ago, Pam. We lived together at Hickory House in Lansing from 1975 to 1976. We had become friends with several other women at MSU the year before, including Jill Robbins Cutshaw, who lived with us at Hickory House. Pam and I were sharing sadness and stories. She remembered Jody going by the nickname Toad. And I recalled the Halloween party we held, and how Jody worked so hard on her Kermit the Frog costume, and her Big Bird costume for Jeff. Made out of crepe paper. Which during the evening caught on fire. Not funny, but funny.
Jody worked at Lansing Ice Arena and Gymnastic center, teaching gymnastics. During this time she met another teacher who was trained in ballet. She organized classes for herself, me and Pam in the dance studio at the same facility, taught by Sandy. I always wanted to take ballet, and I kept this up for twelve years. Really a joy in my life, and then my daughters and mine to share to this day.
Jody, Jeff, Scott (my husband) and I were very close. We shared so many times together, including many containers of Breyer's Red Raspberry Twirl Ice cream. We welcomed our children together.
I will never forget Jody coming to see me at Sparrow when our first child was born. We walked to the nursery and she marveled over one of the unusual characteristics of newborn males, making my sides split and my stitches hurt. I urged her to stop! I was crying and laughing, doubled over. I made sure to pay her back after Lauren was born.
We laughed. We cried. We cooked and ate and attended parties and enjoyed each other. After they moved to Florida we lost touch, but I have thought of her often with deep fondness.
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Jody will continue to inspire the many lives she’s touched, loved. We have always loved you and appreciate your immortal presence and beauty. Energy doesn’t disappear so you’re right here with us forever. Loving blessings and condolences to all her descendants and loved ones as we are all ONE in our love of Jody no longer restricted by the physical form.
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Lauren, Lilly and family…
I’m so sad to hear about your Mom. I had the pleasure of working with her at Patina Collection and we enjoyed our time there together. She made me laugh not realizing what she said was actually funny… loved that about her! I brought her home every time I worked with her especially during those hot summer FL days! But she sure loved walking through town…Anyway, she will be missed.
My condolences to you all.🙏🏻❤️
-Andrea
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Michael & I were so surprised and saddened to hear of Jody's passing. We sincerely enjoyed her as a kind, thoughtful & caring neighbor and cat sitter. We will miss her bright smile and fun spirit. Our condolences are extended and our hearts are with Jody's family.
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Oh Lauren, Lilly and family, I am so very sorry and devastated to hear about Jodi’s death. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend, so giving, compassionate and kind. Her smile and loving spirit will be missed.
Sending thoughts and prayers and lots of love to all of you.
Cathy
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Jody or as we called her “Jojo” was the most lovable human on the planet. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and always made you feel special. Everything she did, she did with intention. Whether it was just a compliment, a birthday, or a random gift she picked up because she thought of you — she really spoiled us all with so much love. She always went out of her way to check in on her people and never let a day go by without a goofy comment and a big smile.
She was so proud of her family — always sharing life updates or photos of her kids and her adorable grandkids. She was so proud of her title as “grandmamom”! She even loved talking about her “grand-dog”. She LOVED her family so much! It was her favorite thing to talk about with anyone.
Jojo was an avid sweets girl. We bonded on how much we loved sweets. She loved Wynn’s iced sugar cookies so much, and she got me hooked on them too! I would drive her home from work most days and she would tell me about whatever sweet treat was waiting for her at home with a Diet Coke to wash it all down. A girl after my own heart!
Jojo will be in my heart forever and I will always cherish our time together. We loved her so, so much!
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