Biography
By her son, Jason

Jo-Anne Mooney was born January 11, 1941 to Joseph & Grace Mooney of 18 Cedar Street in Center Moriches on Long Island NY.

Jo-Anne's father, Joseph Mooney, ran a lounge in the Moriches area.

On April 24, 1965, Jo-Anne married Walter Alden.

In September 1966, at age 25, daughter Karin was born.

In April of 1974, at age 33, son Jason was born.  

During the mid to late 70s, Jo-Anne worked at the Cape Coral Breeze, the town newspaper.

Growing up I remember such things as my mom cleaning the house every day.  She always made sure everything was in order.  There was an ora in the household.  There was an ever-present strong sense of family throughout.  My mom created and maintained this ora.  There is no way of putting it in words; you must have experienced daily life with my mother in order to understand the depth of the sensation.

I remember the times when a broken old vacuum would be tossed into the garage and I would be so happy because it was a new toy for me; for I loved to take apart old vacuums and other such household devices.

Every night there was a new and exciting dish served for dinner.  I remember the smoky evenings when breaded pork chops were made.  Mom drained the pork chop grease onto Publix brown paper bags.

Mom use to put on the old antique stereo and play her favorite 33s.  She would dance diagonally from the front door to her and dad's bedroom door again and again.  If I was outside I could hear the music, and I knew what was going on.

-Son Jason

Jo-Anne stood behind her family.  There was no occasion that she did not help her children.

Just days after Jo-Anne & Walter's 25th wedding anniversary, In April of 1990, Walter had a devastating stroke.  Jo-Anne's fate would be sealed now.  She would be taking care of Walter for the rest of her life.  This went on for 9 years.  Jo-Anne struggled to work part time jobs since Walter was no longer able to work.  Jo-Anne also struggled to maintain Walter's health and diet.  Jo-Anne quietly ignored some of her own ailments so that with chin-up she could serve others.

Jason was the last child to leave the house.  In 1993 Jason moved out on his own.  Jo-Anne and Walter were now by themselves.  In 1994, Jason moved to Miami.

In May 1996, Jason & Karla had received a gift from God; a baby girl named Amber.  Amber would be Jo-Anne's first and only grandchild.  Several weeks after Amber's birth Jo-Anne would see Amber for the first time.  

There were occasional visits by Jason, Karla & Amber to Jo-Anne & Walter.  Jo-Anne absolutely lived for these visits by her granddaughter.  Jo-Anne always talked about wanting to take Amber downtown for ice cream when she got a little bigger. 

On July 4, 1999, Jason, Karla, and granddaughter Amber came over from Miami for a visit.  

I remember on our visit on July 4th, Mom was very very depressed.  She cried out much.   She was moving around in a wheelchair through the house, but it was very difficult as most of the house was carpeted.  I recall that we did not go to see fireworks that night as Mom didn't want to go, and we definitely would not leave her behind.  Several times while all of us were outside in the back yard, and Mom was inside, she cried out in a frustrated and desperate way for Dad to go in to help her to bed.  Before we left for home that holiday, from her wheelchair, Mom begged us not to forget her.  If I could only sense was was to come eight days later...   

-Son Jason

On July 12, 1999, Jason was in Miami, where he lived since 1994.  Walter was at home.  At 8:15am, Jo-Anne, struggling to use the restroom, cried out, and there was a thump, as Walter explained.  He went into the bedroom, and found Jo-Anne had fallen forward.  Walter hurried to call 911.  When the paramedics arrived, they moved Jo-Anne from the bedroom to the living room.  They tried to resuscitate Jo-Anne but she would not regain conscientiousness.   Walter called his son and Karla answered and she was asked to get in touch with Jason at work.  Jason called his dad and heard the terrible heartbreaking news - the paramedics were just getting ready to leave.  Mom had passed away. 

Jo-Anne never had a chance to take little Amber downtown for ice cream.

But Jo-Anne's spirit lives on.  

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