Jo Ann K. (Menz) Guerrero 1942-2026

She was born June 21, 1942, in Warren, daughter to the late Joseph J. Menz and the late Marie A. (Murphy) Menz.

She was a lifetime area resident, graduating from Braceville High School in 1960.

One of the most exciting days of her life was being accepted into the Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she completed her studies as a registered nurse, was a sorority member and enjoyed talking about her experiences, including being in training when James Garner from “The Rockford Files” was admitted.

She was a woman on a mission. Her first career choice was working at the Cleveland Clinic in the ER department. A year later, she continued the rest of her nursing career at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, working in geriatrics and then specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing until her retirement in 2005, after 42 years. Additionally, even after her retirement, she worked at other area hospitals, including St. Joe’s Eastland, on call and part-time for a period. She was energetic, and her younger co-workers joked that she could walk circles around them. As a nurse, she dedicated her entire career to her patients, whom she cared for with compassion, respect, patient advocacy and professional integrity. At home and with extended family, she was the family nurse.

She was a woman of faith. As a child, she wanted to be a nun and dedicate her life to the Lord. However, in 1964, she married and soon had two children. As a loyal wife, a wonderful mother and a woman of faith, she dedicated her life to serving her Savior, Jesus Christ, no matter what trials life brought, and she had many. She was a great witness on how to run to the Lord in both the good and the bad. She was a committed member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Warren, formerly St. James, even being referred to as one of the pillars of the church, volunteering her time as a lector, distributing communion, participating in RCIA, teaching catechism, helping with pierogi making, volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, and participating in many other support groups and Bible studies. She was an associate of the Dominican Associate Warren Group. Additionally, she participated in educational classes and conferences, furthering the development of her faith and love for the Lord. She was a woman of strength and courage. She loved music and filled the house often with music. While she always said she was tone deaf, she joyfully and unashamedly lifted her voice, saying happily, “God gave me this voice, and I’m going praise him with all I got.”

She enjoyed gardening, creating a vibrant, peaceful sanctuary that reflected her loving heart. She spent time traveling, going to Rome and the Holy Land. She was an avid book reader and participated in book clubs. She was always wanting to expand her knowledge and imagination. She had a gift for listening, possessed remarkable patience, and was nonjudgmental, giving and had an empathetic soul that made everyone feel heard and valued. She was true and genuine, accepting and forgiving, had an upbeat personality and a sense of humor, and not to mention, was a hardworking provider and role model which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She never missed any of her children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. She was a fun and loving mother, putting together craft projects and inviting the neighborhood children, where they all did macrame, painted rocks and more. She also participated in Ronald McDonald fundraising events, hosting and organizing a carnival in the front and backyard that all the neighborhood kids were a part of and many more attended.

She touched many lives.

She will be fondly and forever missed by many, including the Guerrero family, and especially by those closest to her. She is survived by a daughter, Kathryn (David) Guerrero Bryant of Manchester, Washington; a son, Michael (Holly) Guerrero of Howland Township; three grandchildren whom she adored, Christian (Natasha) Seltzer-Geurrero, Haleigh (Jenifer) Guerrero Sosa Martinez and Mikey (fiancee, Emma) Guerrero; two precious great-granddaughters, Blakely and Aurora; a brother, Harry (Jeannette) Menz of Howland Township; and a sister, Lucille (John) Becker of Ponte Vedra, Florida. Additionally, she is survived by her former spouse, Manuel Guerrero.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marie Menz.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Lane Funeral Homes, Roberts-Clark Chapel, Warren, where visitation will be concluded and Jo Ann honored by the Nurse Honor Guard from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, with a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. James Church, Warren, followed by a procession and interment in All Souls Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

Following will be a celebration reception for everyone at 4 p.m. at the St. Teresa of Calcutta White Hall.

While flowers are appreciated, as Jo Ann certainly loved them, the family also welcomes memorial contributions to St. Teresa of Calcutta or the Catholic Charities/Religious Retirement Fund of the Catholic Church.

(special notice)