Jo Ann Bourdon

Jo Ann Bourdon passed away peacefully at her home on January 20, 2025. She was born December 9, 1936 in Washington, DC to Joseph English Muir and Kata E. Lorlaberg. In the great tradition of extended families, she was also raised by her adoring Aunt Ethel Muir Dameron and Uncle Alvin Dameron. She grew up in Washington, DC but spent every summer in "the country" visiting all the family in the northern neck of Virginia. As a young woman, she would continue that tradition, each summer bringing her own children to "the country" to visit family and enjoy the beauty of the Northern Neck. She even bought waterfront property with money her husband Lee would send home every month while he served in Vietnam. She feared he would rebuke her for not saving the money.........instead he was thrilled, as the sale of the property was the seed money for their first home.

Jo Ann graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and soon after met Leon Joseph Bourdon (Lee), a handsome young serviceman who immediately swept her off her feet. It was a fairytale romance that resulted in marriage in October 1956, just three months after their first chance meeting. Although Lee preceded her in death in 1978, he remained the love of life for her entire lifetime.

Jo Ann and Lee traveled the world during Lee's military career, eventually settling in Cookeville, TN. After Lee's death, Jo Ann moved to Nashville and started a career in real estate, eventually becoming a broker. She worked closely with her beloved son Thomas A. Bourdon (Tom) in his mortgage company for many years. She worked 30+ years before retiring in her late 70's, at which time she moved to Chattanooga to be closer to her daughter, Donna Bourdon.

Her greatest joy in life was being Grandma to her three beloved grandchildren and being present for each of their weddings. Nothing delighted her more than to see their happiness and to welcome their spouses into her family.

"Grandma" will best be remembered for her generosity and love of giving to others. In particular, she loved to bake Italian cookies at Christmas and distribute them to all family members and to many special friends. Everyone looked forward to these yummy gifts.

In addition to her parents and aunt and uncle, Jo Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband Maj. Leon Joseph Bourdon (Lee) and her beloved son Thomas A. Bourdon (Tom). She leaves behind her daughter, Donna L. Bourdon and daughter-in-law Judy Beard Bourdon. She also leaves behind her three grandchildren, Garret Lee Bourdon (Mariel), Jonathan Taylor Bourdon (Gabrielle), and Rachel Bourdon Johnston (Tyler).

The family is eternally grateful for the care and support provided by Right At Home, Hospice of Chattanooga and especially for the three years of loving care and companionship provided by Missy Heard.

Services will be held on March 1, 2025 at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge NW Cleveland, TN. The family will receive visitors from 10 am-11am, followed by a requiem mass. Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Nolan.

Jo Ann will be laid to rest with her husband at the Nashville National Cemetery, date TBD.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Jo Ann's love of local nature and conservation efforts, donations may be made to the Tennessee Aquarium, Laurel Dace Project. Anyone wishing to donate in Jo Ann's name can at the link below.

https://tennesseeaquarium.humanitru.com/donate?page=laurel-dace&amount=10&options=10%2C25%2C50%2C100%2C250&address=required&locale=en

You are invited to share a personal memory of Jo Ann or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.