Joanna "Jo" Squire

SQUIRE, Joanna (Jo)

Passed away at Willow Brooke Retirement Center in  Stevens Point, WI on July 29, 2024 at the age of 84. She was born Feb. 17, 1940 in Detroit, MI and grew up in Milwaukee, WI.  She was preceded in death by by her long time best friend Gary Tessner, her parents   Raymond and Sophie Squire, and her sister Carolann Winslow.  Remembered fondly by nieces Rebecca and Julie Winslow and cousin Debbie Squire.

Joanna graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, Milwaukee, WI in 1957, earned a BS in 1961 in music from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, WI and a Master in Music (piano performance) in 1968 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI. 

She taught school for various levels and chaired the music program from 1969-83 at Loyal High School, Loyal, WI.  She led the choir to state championships and put on ambitious Broadway musical productions including her favorite Annie Get Your Gun.  She then worked for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI, retiring in 2002.

Joanna’s passion was playing piano.   She played piano beautifully all her life and brought enjoyment to all that heard her.  After she retired,  she took on a new career as music stylist for nine years playing piano at restaurants in the Stevens Point area:  Bernard’s, Rudy’s at the Holiday Inn, the Stevens Point Country Club, and the Holiday Inn.

Joanna also loved making beautiful items including needlework, quilts, afghans, and Christmas decorations.  Her friend Gary retired to Stevens Point, WI  and they brought much joy to each other's lives, spending time together playing games, working on jigsaw puzzles, and working on their crafts.   Joanna also loved  word puzzles and would oftne work on them while sitting at the local parks. 

Joanna enjoyed the many Christmas that she spent with Julie and their Christmas tea and just sitting and enjoying the conversation.  Joanna also enjoyed the times that Julie and Becky spent visiting with her in Stevens Point, WI and showing them the town and her favorite stores and restaurants.

Debbie remembers when Joanna was in her early 20's and Debbie went to visit her quite often and Joanna would try to teach her how to play the piano. Debbie said she has no sense of rhythm and don't know a high note from a low note, but Joanna was very patient with her. Finally, after realizing Debbie was musically hopeless, Joanna played this beautiful song and told Debbie to hit one key on the piano – Joanna made Debbie feel like Liberace, even though Joanna did all the work and Debbie just hit one key when Joanna told her to. That is how Joanna was with people, very helpful, encouraging and joyful. 

The quote from Hans Christian Anderson, “Where words fail, music speaks” describes her life.  Joanna spoke through her music to her students, her family, and to her community.  A simple melody can evoke joy, nostalgia, or sadness with just a few well-placed notes that she knew so well. In a world that often relies on words as the primary means of communication, music serves as a universal language that harmonizes our souls and unites us in our shared humanity.  She played all types of music from jazz, Broadway, popular music, classical with joy and heart.  She loved her piano and always encouraged others to learn and enjoy music as well.  She played piano at every family gathering with joy and love.  May she find peace in eternal music.

Private Funeral Services were held and she was buried at St. Adalbert Cemetry in Milwaukee, WI next to her parents. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the music education program in your local schools

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