Jo Ann Coates

As many of you know, I’ve been navigating the loss of my mom, Jo Ann. She was such a fun, non-traditional soul—whether she was healing someone through her massage practice, tending to her garden, or dreaming of her next island getaway.

We are honoring her with a two-part farewell to reflect the different sides of her life:

📍 Part 1: The Formal Memorial

Tuesday, March 17th at Rees Funeral Home (Hobart)

Service: 3–4 PM | Visitation: 4–6 PM

This is the proper, formal closure for those who wish to pay their traditional respects.

🌸 Part 2: The Garden Celebration

A true 'Jo Ann style' party at her home in Hobart on a weekend in the second half of June. We’ll gather in her favorite place once the garden is in full bloom to celebrate her spirit the way she would have wanted.

So many of you have asked how you can help. To keep things simple, we have two specific ways to support:

✨ The Memorial Fund (GoFundMe): https://gofund.me/b6aa65479

Use this for 'Legacy' support. This fund goes toward her cremation, funeral, travel, and building her 'Legacy Garden' for the June celebration.

🥗 The Family Support Train: http://www.mealtrain.com/wn18d7

Use this for 'Daily' support. Since I'm still in Phoenix and will be traveling back and forth, digital gift cards/Instacart here are the best way to help me stay fueled while I'm on the ground in Hobart managing her estate.

Thank you for all the love and for helping me honor her in a way that feels true to who she was. See you soon

Jo Ann Coates—a healer, gardener, and lifelong learner—began her next great journey on March 11, 2026. She was a woman who lived with a touch of magic, believing that the world was best experienced through the quiet peace of a garden or the steady rhythm of the water.

A longtime resident of Hobart, Indiana, Jo Ann was a pillar of strength and peace for many. As a gifted massage therapist, she took immense pride in her healing practice, dedicated to bringing peace and relief to others. When she wasn’t in her massage studio, she was often found in her backyard, tending to the vibrant garden that was her sanctuary.

Jo Ann was a student of life who was known for her fun, joyful energy. While she loved her home, she was always drawn to the water and the energy of special lands. She moved through life with a fun, non-traditional energy that made even the ordinary feel a little bit more wonderful.

She is survived by her child, Brienne, who carries forward her magic, her quest for knowledge, and her resilient spirit. Her mother Lois, and brothers Mark and Wade Wilfong.

The Two-Part Farewell

In keeping with Jo Ann’s unique spirit, we will honor her in two parts:

• The Memorial Service: A formal memorial and visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17th at Rees Funeral Home (600 W. Old Ridge Rd, Hobart). The service will be from 3:00–4:00 PM, followed by visitation from 4:00–6:00 PM.

• The Garden Celebration Of Life: A celebration of life will be held in late June at her home in Hobart. We will gather among her flowers in full bloom to share stories, music, and the magical vibes she loved so much.

In Lieu of Flowers

To honor Jo Ann’s memory, the family suggests:

• The Legacy Garden: We invite you to bring a potted plant or a garden stone to the June celebration to help her garden continue to grow.

• Family Support: In lieu of traditional arrangements, contributions to the Memorial Fund (https://gofund.me/b6aa65479) or the Family Meal Train (www.mealtrain.com/wn18d7) are deeply appreciated as we navigate this transition from afar.

Jo Ann believed that "to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." She has simply moved on to a place where the water is clear and the knowledge is infinite. As we say goodbye for now, we look forward to the tomorrow where her garden—and her magic—blooms once again.