Jo Ellyn Schwandt, age 68, of Hammond, IN. passed away on August 10, 2021. A beloved sister, aunt and friend, Jo Ellyn was also a dedicated teacher for the School City of Hammond for more than 40 years. She taught 2nd through 5th grades at Lafayette School in Hammond and later at Hammond’s Harding ElementaryContinue Reading
Jo Ellyn Schwandt, age 68, of Hammond, IN. passed away on August 10, 2021.
A beloved sister, aunt and friend, Jo Ellyn was also a dedicated teacher for the School City of
Hammond for more than 40 years. She taught 2nd through 5th grades at Lafayette School in
Hammond and later at Hammond’s Harding Elementary School.
Both before and after her retirement, Jo Ellyn delighted in traveling around the United States and to Europe with the love of her life, Howard England from Guernsey in the British Channel Islands, and with her dear friends from Lafayette including Kay Sarti, Pam VanRennes and Sue Werner. She also accompanied her sister on a trip to England and a Caribbean cruise.
Jo Ellyn received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Indiana
University Northwest – the first in her family to achieve a master’s degree.
Born at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago to Eileen (Price) and Edward Schwandt, Jo Ellyn
moved to the Hessville section of Hammond at the age of 10 months. She graduated from
Morton High School in 1971. It was at MHS that she met Mary Frazier, who became a beloved
life-long friend.
Jo Ellyn was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster.
In addition to her dear Howard and friends Kay, Pam, Sue and Mary, Jo Ellyn is survived by her
loving family – her sister and brother-in-law, Lu Ann and Bob Franklin; niece Rachel Franklin;
niece and nephew-in-law, Katie and Kurt Alberson; and nephew Robbie Franklin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, Anna Ellen (Jones) and James M.
Price and Louise (Moffatt) and Edward A. Schwandt.
An interment ceremony will take place at a later date at Elmwood Cemetery in Hammond.
Jo Ellyn supported a number of charities including Meals on Wheels, the Loaves and Fishes
Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Shriners Hospitals. Donations in her memory
would be greatly appreciated.
Jim and Erna Yackel
left a message on August 18, 2021:
Lu Ann:
We extend our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sarah Wermuth
left a message on August 16, 2021:
Jo Ellen was like an older sister to me when I was a young new teacher at Lafayette Elementary. Without knowing it, she mentored me as a teacher leader. She was super smart and her students respected her and so did I. My condolences to her best friends who love her dearly and her family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Jim and Erna Yackel
left a message on August 18, 2021:
Lu Ann:
We extend our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sarah Wermuth
left a message on August 16, 2021:
Jo Ellen was like an older sister to me when I was a young new teacher at Lafayette Elementary. Without knowing it, she mentored me as a teacher leader. She was super smart and her students respected her and so did I. My condolences to her best friends who love her dearly and her family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence.
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.