Jo Toops

Jo Toops, 64, Westerville, Ohio passed away peacefully December 13, 2016 after a four-year stand-off against ovarian cancer. Born September 1952, Jo is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Jerry Toops; sons, Bret Toops (Heidi) and Kyle Toops (Brittany); sisters, Susan Andreas and Carrie Richardson; brothers, John, Steve (Rita) and Kevin McGuire; sister-in-law, Tanja DeLuca and nieces and nephews that meant so much to her, Maddie DeLuca, Lexi Maddigan (Brendan), Chris Andreas, Jason Andreas, Mark McGuire and Mark Richardson (Kandace); and her precious great-nieces, Abby and Eden. Jo is preceded in death by her father and mother, Donald and Mary Lou McGuire; sister, Maryanne McGuire and brothers, Dan and David McGuire. Joe was blessed with many good friends and a number of very special friends in her life (you all know who you are) and their support, prayers, humor and understanding brought a wealth of joy and smiles to her life. A long-time hockey fan (Jo and Jerry’s first date was to a minor league hockey game), Jo was a dedicated day-one Columbus Bluejacket fan and season ticket holder. Thanks Cody for making it easier for her to attend games when she could in the latter stages of her illness. Jo loved shopping for bargains and baking and mostly sharing the labors of both with her friends an family. Speed and excitement highlighted her life including a solo parachute jump, the front seat of every roller coaster she visited and a ride in an Indy Car at 180 miles per hour. Jo never let the disease that eventually took her life too early define how she lived her life during those years. She faced that “Journey” as she called it with and abundance of positive spirit, zest for life and optimism that always surprised those with whom she shared her life. She said her attitude was the only thing she could control so why not be happy. Jo always wanted to be a great and loving mom, wife and caring friend. She overachieved on all fronts and will be sorely missed. Thanks to the dedicated doctors, nurses, staff and aids of the OSU Gynecologic Oncology, The James Cancer Center, and Zusman Hospice for providing Jo with a good quality of life during treatment and care. Friends will be received 4-7 PM, Monday, December 19, 2016 at THE RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High St., Worthington, OH 43085 where a service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 20, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jo’s memory to James Cancer Hospital, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, P O Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218.

Jo Toops

September 30, 1952 - December 13, 2016