JoAn Male's Obituary
JoAn Male (nee McCollister), age 90 died peacefully Sunday, January 3, 2021 at David Simpson Hospice House. Born November 15, 1930 in Cleveland, OH to Donald and Ethel (nee Borth) McCollister. JoAn was married in 1956 to Ted Male until his death in 2003.
JoAn graduated from John Marshall High School and Baldwin Wallace University. She was a first-grade teacher for the Cleveland School District until retirement. JoAn took her love of engaging young children in educational play one step further in 1963 when she developed “Show and Tell Felt Kits,” which she later copyrighted and produced for many years.
JoAn was an active member of Berea Business and Professional Women and supported their mission of “achieving equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information” by serving as an officer and faithfully fundraising for the group.
JoAn was also a lifelong learner with a curious mind. She enjoyed exploring the world through travels near and abroad and regularly attended Baldwin Wallace’s Institute for Learning classes. There she developed an interest in the arts, especially her love of the theatre, and took great pleasure as a regular subscriber to various theatrical productions.
In addition to her parents and husband, JoAn was predeceased by her beloved Aunt Viola Asplin and brother Howard McCollister. She is survived by brother Jon McCollister (Marilyn), sister-in-law Joanne McCollister; nieces and nephews Scott (Natalie), Megan (Pete), Becky (Jeff), Barbara (Mike), Mark (Heather) and Scott (Clara); 5 great-nephews and 8 great-nieces along with dearest friends, Sharon and Richard Bennett.
Since May 2017, JoAn resided at Maplewood of Chardon Senior Living where she enjoyed an array of leisure activities and brought a smile to the caring staff.
A private service of remembrance will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted.
Those who wish to remember JoAn in a special way can donate in her memory to the JoAn McCollister Male Scholarship at Baldwin Wallace University, 275 Eastland Rd. Berea, OH 44017. Checks payable to Baldwin Wallace University.
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