Obituary
Guest Book
1922
2017
Josephine Petrosky "Jo" Smith, 94, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Elmer F. Smith and parents, Julius A. and Rosale T. (Kalinowsky) Petrosky. She is survived by her brother, Lawrence George Petrosky; nieces, Sharon Biel, Donna Walker and husband Terris. Other loving family members include William Stanton Smith and wife Roz, Aleta (Smith) Woods and husband Gary, Keith Smith and wife Sharon, Spring (Minh Xuan) Doan and husband Tien, as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
Jo worked at Exxon in Land Owner Relations. She was a founding member and helped start St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston. She loved God and even more, doing the Lord's work such as teaching children at St. Cecilia.
Jo never had children of her own, but touched the hearts of many, many people, young and old. She was kind hearted and loved doing things for her nieces and nephews, gave to many charities and even sponsored children from another country. She loved her Chihuahua and pets. Jo and Elmer enjoyed traveling to various places around the world and she never met a stranger. She learned and spoke many languages and just loved life in general.
You will be deeply missed and always loved.
Family and friends gathered for a visitation on Monday, October 2, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, where Deacon Frank Davis led the Vigil service at 6:30 p.m.
The Funeral Liturgy was held on Tuesday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc, with Reverend Eli Lopez as celebrant. Following a brief reception, the Rite of Committal followed at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Waltrip Funeral Directors.
4 Entries
December 20, 2017
Friend
Jo Harshaw
We met in 1999 and bonded instantly, as I'm sure she did with most she met.
She was one of the most unselfish, giving ladies I have ever had the privilege of knowing. We shared a love for animals. I loved her.
October 3, 2017
Debbie Hancock
I have known Jo and Elmer since I was 5 years old - 57 years - I loved both of them so much and have such fond and happy memories of them as a child - Jo and I have always been kindred spirits with our love for animals - she would never let one go hungry if it made its way to her house. Jo was an amazing person who was selfless and always ready to jump up and organize anything that was needed. The Holy Family Guild that we all belonged to lasted for many many years, in part, because of her. She was fearless and travelled every part of the world, much of it on her own after Elmer's passing. She was so devout in her Catholic faith and is now at peace with her beloved Elmer. There will never be another Jo Smith - she was one of a very special kind.
October 2, 2017
Connie Byers
"Jo was a dependable neighbor, devout Catholic, and lover of nature. Those who did not know her well referred to her as the Bird Lady. For the last couple of years whe have missed her routine of spreading birdseed in her driveway feeding breakfast to twenty or thirty birds. I will miss her honest opinions and salty language."
October 1, 2017
Mary Hogarty
Jo will forever be remembered as a co-founder, with the Vincentian priests, of the Family Guilds in St. Cecilia parish.
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