It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of JoAnn “Jo” Houtz's passing. Jo, who was 84, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of May 1, 2024. She was born in Harrisburg, PA on May 24, 1939 to the late Kenneth and June Houtz.
Jo was a graduate of Glen Burnie High School in Maryland. She dedicated 32 years of her life to the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn, Maryland, where she served as a Federal Government Employee. After retiring from the government, Jo pursued her passion for art and became a successful Watercolor artist, whose works were featured in many art shows, galleries, and businesses.
Jo had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life. She loved to travel and had visited 45 of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Italy. She also had a passion for golf and was an active member of the “Working Women’s Golf League.” Jo was never afraid to take a risk, and at the age of 72, she went zip-lining in the rainforest of Puerto Rico on the second-largest zip-line in the world. She also went skydiving to celebrate her 78th birthday.
Jo is predeceased by her sister Judy Long and is survived by her beloved life partner of 50 years, June Arrington, her brother Jack Houtz and wife Mary, the children she helped raise, Pam Booth and husband Moe, Tom Arrington and wife Sophia, Maria Wilson, her grandchildren Joshuah Smith and wife Nicole, Zachary Arrington, Jonathan Blume and wife Becky, Raven Arrington and partner Michael, and her great-grandchildren Stella Blume and Jaxson Smith. She is also survived by her nephew Ken Houtz and wife Pam, her niece Michelle Hornberger and husband Harry, niece Holly Sipple and husband Dennis, niece Denise Starkey, and many great-nieces and nephews.
A receiving of friends will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Schimunek Funeral Home, 9705 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236, with a celebration of Jo's life to follow at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, Jo requested that donations be made to Harford Artist’s Association, located at 37 N. Main Street, Ste 104, Bel Air, Maryland 21014, in her memory.
Jo will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her kind heart, adventurous spirit, and love of life will continue to inspire us all.
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