Jo Ann B. Straker

Jo Ann B. (Bryant) Straker passed away on November 1, 2023, in Boston, Mass at the age of 90.  Jo Ann was born on September 6, 1933 in Jellico, Tennessee, to Tilman Bryant and Ida Lawson Bryant.  She was the beloved wife of William Richard Straker for 59 years, before his passing in 2015.

Jo Ann was a loving and devoted mother to her son, Michael and his wife Martha, and her daughter, Sonia Buonomo and her husband Michael.  She adored her four grandchildren, Sara Lambert, Stephen Straker, Trevor Karalekas and Derek Karalekas.  She had three great grandchildren.  Jo Ann also cherished her siblings, Samuel Bryant of Kentucky and Emily Bellingham of Ohio.  Along with cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann had a passion for nursing and dedicated her life to the field.  After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1956 she began her career as a registered nurse and continued to expand her knowledge and skills.  Eventually, she found her calling in Psychiatric nursing, where she made a significant impact on the lives of her patients.

Jo Ann and Bill raised their family in Acton, Mass and then retired to Cape Cod.  They loved to travel worldwide, spend time with friends and family.  Upon Bill's passing, Jo Ann moved to Rivercourt Residences in Groton to be closer to her family.