We tragically lost Joleen last week when she was hit by a drunk driver while riding her bike home from her work. Joleen was a bright beacon of love, happiness, and empathy in many lives but no one knew or loved Joleen like her husband, George Berry. Joleen and George were married over the summer and now George is faced with many challenges most of us cannot begin to fathom.  No one should have to worry about money in a time like this so we are asking everyone to come together for George, and express our love for Joleen, by helping take care of everyday expenses so that George can recover without stress. Our goal is to raise $5000 for George to cover rent, bills, and various other expenses while he spends this difficult time surrounded by his family and loved ones. We thank you all in advance for your generous contributions. Joleen will forever be in our hearts and minds and we want to carry on her legacy by taking care of the ones she loved the most- the same way she would have done for us.

Here is an excerpt from Weddle Elementary School where Joleen worked as a Library Media Assistant and helped in music classes and distance learning among other things:

"Jo's Principal Stacy Lund, shared the most important thing about Jo was the heartfelt connections she made with people, and her passion for equity. She was an enthusiastic life-long learner, one who loved reading and shared that love with others, and one who looked for ways to support our students, families, and staff. She had found new purpose this year serving lunches, distributing Chromebooks and supplies, and participating in Weddle's summer book club.

Though Jo has passed, her gift to people continues as she was an organ donor. Please keep Jo, her new husband George, and our entire Weddle Elementary School family in your hearts. We will miss her."