tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post5175037931809237791..comments2014-09-17T22:03:01.296-07:00Comments on Remembering Jo Saeta: Remembering Jo ...Leslie Saetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12117990337430054782noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-41425086374076189722014-09-17T22:03:01.296-07:002014-09-17T22:03:01.296-07:00There's too little kindness in this world, but...There's too little kindness in this world, but Jo (or as I called her, "Aunt Jo") was an exception to the rule. She was a kind and loving woman of unfathomable generosity of spirit. May her goodness forever be as a blessing to those who knew and loved her. I will always bear her a great debt of gratitude for her profound kindness to me in my hour of need.Charleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988051525137158625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-25293875254730035632013-05-04T18:32:49.393-07:002013-05-04T18:32:49.393-07:00I'm glad to find this site today after telling...I'm glad to find this site today after telling Phil in an email that I'm going to the Y with the flotation belt I bought to go to Arrowhead. Jo and I paddled around in the lake and told stories. It's wonderful to have and share memories of her great being.<br />Joyce Bryson, Stanford classmate and Round Robin friend. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-5714231381180604882011-04-19T10:08:08.847-07:002011-04-19T10:08:08.847-07:00Monday, April 18, 2011
Jo Saeta was a neighbor a...Monday, April 18, 2011<br /><br /><br />Jo Saeta was a neighbor and friend when our family lived just down the street from the Saeta family. Our two sons grew up, attending Marengo School, South Pasadena Junior and Senior High with Stephen and Sandra Saeta, while my husband Sieg and I enjoyed the company of Jo and Phil on numerous social occasions, with mutual friends through the years. Jo shared my deep and abiding belief in social justice and we both attended meetings of the PTA Human Relations Group where we formed friendships with like minded South Pasadena parents. <br /><br />One memory from those years stands out. Sieg and I, not knowing of the crowded conditions at the popular ski area, had driven our two boys up to Arrowhead one weekend, to find it jammed with like minded families. Parking lots were full and we, along with hordes of other families, had parked, illegally along the main road, anxiously watching and waiting to be ticketed. At this point Jo and Phil appeared and invited us to their cabin where we could park safely. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon visiting while our boys had fun on the slopes, Bill our younger son, courtesy of the Saetas who lent him a pair of skis as well. To me this is one of many examples of the welcoming warmth and generosity of Jo and Phil, as they opened their mountain home to us for the afternoon, sparing us the disappointment of an early departure from the ski area that would have disappointed our two boys who had looked forward to this day.<br /><br />The Saeta family contributed greatly to the happy years we spent living in one of the most family friendly areas of our fair city. <br />Jo will be sorely missed in our community!<br />Margaret LindstromAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-2743593315026314062011-04-17T20:32:35.276-07:002011-04-17T20:32:35.276-07:00This afternoon's "Celebration of Life&quo...This afternoon's "Celebration of Life" was certainly that -- a celebration of Jo, the women whom we all loved and admired. She was honored not only by the speakers, who were eloquent, but also by all of us who listened, nodded as we heard familiar stories, and laughed at the humerous tidbits of Jo lore. The tears and wine did flow. Thanks to all the family members -- you did Jo proud.<br /><br /><br />Ruth SlaterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-43226549337390306312011-04-17T17:21:44.875-07:002011-04-17T17:21:44.875-07:00My first memory of Jo is the huge smile she had ev...My first memory of Jo is the huge smile she had every time you saw her. You always knew she was happy to see you. Every conversation with Jo was spiced with laughs. She always had a positive view of everything. <br /><br />She was the 1st super mom at Marengo in the early 70’s when I was teaching her children,. She not only did everything, but organized all the moms to be active volunteers. <br /><br />Her energy was contagious. Often she and Phil hosted parties at there home with the complete Marengo school staff and spouses. This often included a volley ball game, fire pit, tons of food and drinks - always a memorable event. We were poor teachers in our 20’s and being treated to a party night was incredible. I am sure this was the start of the Marengo spirit that has continued all these years.<br /> <br />Personally, I was so touch 2 years after I left teaching at Marengo School in 1977. I returned to move to La France Ave in So Pas and Jo was the first person to welcome me back - at my door the day the movers arrived with a delicious dinner. I had a 5 week old baby and this was an incredible gift.<br /> <br />Jo was a giver. She made people around her happy. She volunteered for anything and everything. Yesterday I received a flyer advertising the Relay for Life that is held Sunday and the picture on the flyer had Jo in a wheelchair participating in the walk.<br /><br />What an incredible woman. Loved by so many because she opened her heart to everyone. She will always be a part of me.<br /><br />Linda Poore<br /><br />Marengo Teacher 1969-1975<br /><br />Classroom teacher for Peter, Steve, Sandra & David(for 2 weeks)Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00850079412696675245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-41912660592392149902011-04-17T07:09:50.218-07:002011-04-17T07:09:50.218-07:00It is the summer of 1974. I have decided to move ...It is the summer of 1974. I have decided to move north with Dale, but am loath to leave the life I love in South Pasadena, so I am renting my house, complete with food in the pantry. We are leaving that morning in two cars & a trailer, my six-yr-old son, the dog, cat & six kittens, Dale & his 14-yr-old daughter. And of course, the house to be cleaned. The doorbell rings. It is Jo, vacuum cleaner in one hand, a bag of rags in the other.<br /><br />The woman who speaks eloquently with heads of state, ran a school district effectively, knew how to be exactly the friend I needed at that moment. And she was that kind of friend to hundreds of people. Whatever will we do without her?<br /><br />Much love to you family members, Margo & Dale SeymourMargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08052404829701552944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-12941039874647055632011-04-17T00:58:37.603-07:002011-04-17T00:58:37.603-07:00Well, it was shock to hear that we lost Jo. She ha...Well, it was shock to hear that we lost Jo. She has touched so many people in so many positive ways. At the Chinese-American Club meeting, there were so many memories and stories about Jo - how she, seamlessly, became part of our community and how she worked to help people. There was no hesitation to honor Jo with a $1000 donation to SPEF in her name.<br /><br />I will certainly miss her. As many people talk about improving the community; leaving the world a better place than where we found it – Jo did that. Jo was inspirational to me as a community leader and a caring person. And, we are certainly the poorer without her.<br /><br />Joe LooAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15417630061999116799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-10981457947774452302011-04-16T21:57:15.816-07:002011-04-16T21:57:15.816-07:00Jo, Phil and I – John Meyers - met when they were ...Jo, Phil and I – John Meyers - met when they were students at Stanford and I was in my Ob-Gyn residency training. So we have known each other for more than 50 years! They married each other and I married their close friend and classmate, Betsy Peterson.<br /><br />Our two families developed in a remarkably parallel fashion. Each family came to consist of three sons and a daughter, in the same order and with the same timing. Over the years as our children were growing up we saw a lot of each other. We often shared vacation time. And all the kids enjoyed skiing on the grounds of their mountain cabin and water skiing and exploring the shores of Mission Bay and the ocean in our powerboat. And we supported each other as each family suffered the sudden and tragic loss of one of our children. <br /><br />Jo was the glue that bound us together. She was the loving, caring, communicator throughout those years – always keeping us in touch with the pulse of her family’s life – and always eager to know what was happening in our family. When Betsy and I divorced, Jo and Phil continued that same close loving, caring friendship and communication with Betsy, our family, and with me. Jo and Phil participated in my wedding with my present wife, Betty Joan Maly.<br /><br />Jo invested herself in every family event. Whenever, wherever we celebrated together, and even while we traveled together across Russia on the Siberian Rail, she took the best pictures. She even had the best picture of us at our wedding! <br /><br />Jo had inexhaustible energy for communicating, and we saw the world through the words and images that she sent in the mail and to our screen. Her take on life was more than what met the eye. Her words went right to the heart. Last year, when we all gathered to celebrate the life of the much loved daughter we lost to death, Jo gave us this prose poem to comfort us:<br /> “There’s A Hole in the world now. In the place where she was, there’s now just nothing. A center, like no other, of memory and hope and knowledge and affection which once inhabited this earth is gone. Only a gap remains. A perspective on this world unique in this world which once moved about within this world has been rubbed out. Only a void is left. There’s nobody now who saw just what she saw, knows what she knew, remembers what she remembered, loves what she loved. A person, an irreplaceable person, is gone. Never again will anyone inhabit the world the way she did.”<br /><br />These words she gave us now seem to say more about her than of anyone. We are grateful for this site to honor the space she once filled in our lives and to hold some of what we already miss from her.<br /><br />John and Betty Joan<br />San DiegoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-19134791017225890512011-04-15T21:24:29.613-07:002011-04-15T21:24:29.613-07:00Dear Saeta family, i was shocked and saddened to g...Dear Saeta family, i was shocked and saddened to get to Tahoe last friday and receive this email from you all. Jo had sent me the Aaron David Miller websites just days before and i had already been discussing several of the topics with various friends. Like others it's difficult to accept her absence. She was a larger than life woman who's impact will long be missed by those of us who admired her deeply. She was adventurous, kind, thoughtful, generous..just to name a few of her sterling qualities. i remember as a child spending time with her parents, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Johnny. Jo was always this beautiful daughter that i thought was a distant princess. I have enjoyed so much being able to get acquainted and share thoughts after our parents passed on. I send my heartfelt condolences to all of you especially you, Phil, as you adjust to the coming days without her. She was quite the lady and i feel proud just to have known her. love to all Dorothy Shaw AriensAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01769242115847195336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-63606414923280022612011-04-15T19:09:53.676-07:002011-04-15T19:09:53.676-07:00After my sister Ann Beardsley McHugh died three ye...After my sister Ann Beardsley McHugh died three years ago, Jo and I adopted each other as sisters. We have communicated regularly since then. She was a part of my life growing up as one of Ann's best friends, a link now to the immediate family of which I am the sole remaining member. She was larger than life in all that she gave to others and contributed to so many worthwhile endeavors. All of this while remaining simply herself and truly present with all she knew. I will miss her.<br /> I send my love and deepest sympathy to Phil and to all of her beloved family. Jane Beardsley LemelandAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-31653791733429668782011-04-15T16:32:15.020-07:002011-04-15T16:32:15.020-07:00Dearest Phil,
How do we acknowledge and mourn, re...Dearest Phil,<br /><br />How do we acknowledge and mourn, reflect upon and celebrate an amazing spirit that is Jo?<br /><br />Jo had a truly open and loving heart. She tirelessly advocated on the side of the Angels.<br /><br />Jo’s unconditional love and support touched and changed so many people’s lives. Her joy in every moment of life – you and her family, her friends, her causes, her insatiable quest to teach and to learn, her indomitable spirit to go through and bounce back from surgery after surgery ,remind us that Jo was indeed a gentle and relentless warrior.<br /><br />Keep waiting for the phone to ring, and hear Jo’s voice saying “So how was your day?”<br /><br />Have kept and treasure all of the many travel journals and albums of photographs Jo sent over the years. Watched the 6 Pack grow and the Twins blossom. Heard about all of the kids and daughter/son-in-laws, triumphs and challenges. Enjoyed all of the annual Round Robin Reunion updates.<br /><br />I will always hold Jo close in my heart, and remember every day that the world is a much better place because Jo was in it. She is and always will be my guiding light.<br /><br />Am Sending All My Love to You and the Family, Cousin Pat (in Vancouver Canada)Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15082132202309085066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-81471775781320165472011-04-14T22:08:34.679-07:002011-04-14T22:08:34.679-07:00For all of the reasons listed previously by all of...For all of the reasons listed previously by all of the other people whose lives were touched by Jo, when I think of her, my heart is joyful and I just SMILE.<br /> SUCH A GIFT!!!!<br /><br /> Margaret Ann AbdallaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-81823253652491670452011-04-13T17:10:34.488-07:002011-04-13T17:10:34.488-07:00One of the best person I met during my time with R...One of the best person I met during my time with Reva and still kept in touch with me after her death. I count myself lucky for having a friend like you Jo. May God bless your soul.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-78538406264749031022011-04-13T16:10:42.286-07:002011-04-13T16:10:42.286-07:00I met Jo at Oneonta School - our children attended...I met Jo at Oneonta School - our children attended and I became an aide and volunteer. Jo was already there. We continued to be involved in the school community together as our children grew. You couldn't help but become friends with Jo and Phil if you were at all involved in the school and community. She was a wonderful friend and lady. Phil - our love and prayers are with you and the family!<br />Karen and Jim MadsenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-78684056978432021612011-04-13T15:46:48.753-07:002011-04-13T15:46:48.753-07:00I am grateful to have had Jo in my life - for so m...I am grateful to have had Jo in my life - for so many reasons! She was a wonderful friend to my mom (Carolle Bellamy) and just plain fun to be with. I'll miss her a lot.<br />Last Sunday, April 9, my choir (Pasadena Master Chorale) performed the Brahms Requiem - a beautiful setting of the requiem mass which focuses on comfort and redemption. I privately dedicated my performance to Jo. I'm sure she would have loved the performance. I had been meaning to invite her and Phil to our concerts all year, but never got around to it. And of course, regret that very much now.Kit Bellamyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06736242408528102876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-68386724167424767692011-04-13T07:01:24.560-07:002011-04-13T07:01:24.560-07:00Jo was my mother too when in 1977/78 I spent a yea...Jo was my mother too when in 1977/78 I spent a year as an exchange student as a member of the Saeta family and I still think of her as just that: my "second mother". <br />Every year around christmas I think of Jo who that year cooked not only a traditional American christmas dinner but also a full Danish christmas dinner - now that's what makes a 17-year old son love his mother ;-)<br />Jo was an extraordinarily loving, generous, open and tolerant person and I will miss her very much. <br />I and my family (Pia, Rikke and Kasper) send our warmest regards to Phil and the entire Saeta-family.<br />Much love, Jens Chr. Hesse Rasmussen, DenmarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-13111961143818376362011-04-12T07:13:41.232-07:002011-04-12T07:13:41.232-07:00This comment is from Pam Hames.
I knew Jo in High...This comment is from Pam Hames.<br /><br />I knew Jo in High School and at Stanford. We worked together in the South Pasadena schools. We enjoyed each other's company. With all the wonderful things that Jo did, especially for South Pasadena and the schools here, I think she should be called "Mrs. South Pasadena". I will miss her greatly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-91242213805602125362011-04-11T22:16:36.441-07:002011-04-11T22:16:36.441-07:00Jo changed my life. Six years ago an older woman ...Jo changed my life. Six years ago an older woman with a cane walked to the microphone at a school board meeting. She spoke of the school district's crisis candidly and with the authority of one who knew the district intimately. I knew immediately that she was a wealth of wisdom and experience and that I must get to know her. With behavior rather atypical for typically shy and introverted me I introduced myself and arranged to meet with Jo that week.<br /><br />I was and still am passionate about quality education and SPUSD. As I reflected on running for the school board, one of my litmus tests was Jo's opinion on the matter. Jo saw something in me that I barely saw in myself and she backed my candidacy in word and deed. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am on the school board because of Jo Saeta.<br /><br />Jo became a mentor, confidante and friend to me as we tended to meet once a month with Jane Shirmeister for lunch. We talked about family, travel, spirituality, physical ailments and out-of-the box treatments, politics and always education. We laughed, cried, brainstormed.... I loved our lunches.<br /><br />Jo modeled these qualities for me:<br />*courage to speak my mind<br />*courage to enlarge my scope of involvement<br />*joy of living<br />*open-mindedness while yet having deep opinions<br />*love for family<br />*sacredness of friendship<br />*curiosity about all things<br />*loyalty and love<br /><br />Jo pulled out of me parts I didn't know existed. Her influence transformed me. I will continue to give my time and energy to that which brought us together...the right of our children to a quality education whether on the school board, through SPEF, volunteerism, etc... Jo has left a beautiful, significant legacy. I feel so blessed that Jo came into my life.<br /><br />When in doubt I might just ask myself <br />What would Jo do? (sorry Jesus) and the answer would lead me to adventure, challenge, knowledge and loving relationships. <br /><br />Elisabeth EilersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-25257002672921216612011-04-11T21:35:29.414-07:002011-04-11T21:35:29.414-07:00Jo will be missed............We are neighbors on S...Jo will be missed............We are neighbors on Spruce Street and enjoyed all the waves from Jo as we drove by their home on Marengo and Spruce. However, we are not only neighbors but fellow companions from the SPEF board. I always admired Jo with her envolvement,dedication and commitment to our schools and community. Our loves goes out to the entire Saeta Family<br />God Bless,<br />Michael and Michele Downing<br />Morgan and MalloryAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15168100802750003266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-52577600064335354262011-04-11T16:10:23.187-07:002011-04-11T16:10:23.187-07:00Jo is responsible for years of vicarious travel fo...Jo is responsible for years of vicarious travel for her friends. Like me, many of us did not go to the North Pole or Iran, Russia, China or Irangai. I can't spell that but its on Borneo, as I remember. We went gleefully because she wrote about her trips, what she saw, the aromas of the food, and the mothers who brought their small children to sit on the American mother;'s lap. SHe was a terrific American ambassador, and the most loving friend to all of us who claim the honor of being her friend. <br />Laudé Neff HillLaude Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10540951145390658918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-24218241469260560652011-04-11T10:29:16.283-07:002011-04-11T10:29:16.283-07:00Phil, Jack and I were so sorry to hear of Jo's...Phil, Jack and I were so sorry to hear of Jo's death. We send you our condolences, and to your family, from London where we had the pleasure a few years ago of meeting Jo and you for the first time - nowithstanding that we are both of Saeta stock or in my case, Saetah or Sayetta - my mother's maiden name - at the splendind Saeta reunion organised by Phil - indefatigable!. We are thinking of you. Yours affectionately Dora Black.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-152226060600123232011-04-11T06:27:41.155-07:002011-04-11T06:27:41.155-07:00I met Jo only a few times when visiting my cousine...I met Jo only a few times when visiting my cousine Brad. Each time she greeted me with love,joy and happiness. There are few people who give so much and ask for so little. We are all lucky to have had Jo pass through our lives even those like myself who knew her only for a brief moment. <br />With deepest sympathy to you Phil and to her children who I never met but who were mentioned with love pride more often then you know. <br />Take care remembering the good timesMissy Beckernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-75636122903812912522011-04-10T22:18:14.913-07:002011-04-10T22:18:14.913-07:00To Phil and Jo's Children and Grandchildren,
I...To Phil and Jo's Children and Grandchildren,<br />I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. My mother, Lois Spielman, was a long time friend of Jo's. When Lois passed away 5 years ago, Jo was such a comfort to me with her kind words and wisdom. She was such a courageous and intelligent woman with a witty sense of humor. Spend time together to remember her and support each other.<br />love from Kathy Spielman and my brothers, John and Steven too.Kathy Spielmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041571660539328867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-76446723505257341592011-04-10T16:27:01.006-07:002011-04-10T16:27:01.006-07:00Oops. Forgot to sign my name...The Anonymous with...Oops. Forgot to sign my name...The Anonymous with the Peace Corps story was Maureen Mehler. Love to Phil and the entire family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4743290150238173705.post-10819966586361803972011-04-10T16:23:39.168-07:002011-04-10T16:23:39.168-07:00Jo was possibly the most giving person I've ev...Jo was possibly the most giving person I've ever known. I can't even fathom the number of lives she touched and made better by her being there.<br /><br />During my Peace Corps years, she and Phil gave me a home (when I was homeless) during my vacation visits to LA, including making the downstairs room available when I returned on crutches and couldn't manage the stairs, and when returning while waiting for my new home to be available. Don't know what I would have done without their generosity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com