Jo Ellen Eros

WILMINGTON, DE – Jo Ellen Eros, age 79, left this life peacefully on September 11, 2019, enveloped by the love of her family.

Born in East St. Louis, IL, she was the daughter of Kenneth Lee and Elva Magdalene Blanchard. As a playful and fashionable young girl, “Jo” (as she preferred to be called) enjoyed choir, dancing, drama, mathematics, and laughter. She graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School as a National Honor Society Member in 1958, and met the love of her life, Don, when they worked together at Monsanto. They were married the following year.

A talented singer, Jo put aside the opportunity to perform with the Muny Opera in St. Louis, MO and chose instead to work to help support her family. Working as a sixth-grade teacher, and later as a lab analyst at Allied Mills, she moved to Wilmington, DE in 1973, and began a research career at Stuart Pharmaceuticals, which eventually became AstraZeneca. Jo retired as head of AstraZeneca’s stability lab in 1999.

Her hard work didn’t stop in retirement. She worked for Friends of Wilmington Parks through their reestablishment of the Jasper Crane Rose Garden and Sugar Bowl. Jo later worked as a volunteer with Forgotten Cats, where her generous spirit affected the lives of countless people and their pets—including reaching into her own pocket on more than one occasion to pay for veterinary treatment of an abandoned or neglected cat.

Jo is survived by her loving husband, Don, with whom she enjoyed 60-years of marriage; her two sons, Anthony (Terri) and Kenneth (April); six grandchildren, Casey (Conner), Callie (Chelsea), Jay, Eric (Stefani), Aimee (Jeremiah), Sage (Ali); and eight great-grandchildren.

Welcoming her to heaven are her parents Kenneth and Elva; her step-dad Leo; and a wide variety of pets at the Rainbow Bridge. The family would like to give thanks to the caregivers from Home Instead and Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care.

A memorial service will be held at the Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Visitation will be from 10-11am, with a memorial service at 11am, and a reception to follow. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Forgotten Cats in Greenville, DE would be appreciated.

Send a Condolence Light a Candle Send Flowers Print Out Obituary

Funeral Services

Condolences

Ron Crouch writes,

I worked with Jo Ellen at Wilmington State Parks for 10 years. Her efforts in secretarial work for Friends of Wilmington Parks was outstanding. What I really enjoyed was her smile and quick wit. No matter the circumstance, she met it head on with that smile and positive attitude. Her first office was a cubicle in a trailer which represented the State Park Office! We eventually (years later) expanded to two trailers. Whenever things began to close in on us, Jo Ellen would have a witty comment which brought smiles and/or laughter and certainly eased the tension on my part. Any kind word or thought will always bring memories of Jo Ellen and Don. I will miss you! Love, Ron

09/14/2019 08:51 am

Carolyn H Miller lit a candle and writes,

Don and family, Jo Ellen touched so many lives, both furry and human. I will miss her. I really enjoyed sharing lunch with her at Zeneca and after we moved back to the area. May "the peace that passes understanding" blanket you during this difficult time. With love, Carolyn Miller

09/14/2019 09:19 am

Monica Fishman writes,

Oh Ken, I’m in Philly right now for a memorial for my moms sisters husband. I well remember what a blessing you and April were at my mamas passing and memorial. I’m circling the wagons of light around you & your family. Wrap yourselves in the warmth of her memory which is the blessing that endures and comforts throughout the years. Sending love to you, dear Ken. Monica

09/14/2019 11:42 pm

Janet Cavallo writes,

I had the privilege of working with Jo Ellen at Forgotten Cats. We both answered the very busy phone lines in DE and PA. I always enjoyed speaking with her when she needed issued resolved for the variety of calls she picked up We always had a laugh to relieve some of the stress from many of the sad calls. I can attest to the fact that she helped a few callers financially when they were distraught upon finding a cat who needed help. This is not something that is usually done. She even brought a carrier to one caller's location. I was very impressed with how she snapped into action. Personally, I have missed her greatly since she stepped aside in April. She is the gold standard of our phone department. She has been missed. My condolences to the entire family. Janet Cavallo

09/15/2019 09:40 am

Dale Schrage writes,

Jo Ellen was a neighbor in Washington Park while we were kids. She will be missed

09/16/2019 11:15 am

Phillip V Bittle, lit a candle and writes,

I remember the night I went over to her house ... I was 15 or 16. I had heard that she was a fabulous singer and I was interested in her joining my band. She was a fabulous singer, for sure, and in addition I fell in love with her on the spot. We were an "item" for a little more than a year before we went our separate ways. I've thought about her very often and still miss her so much. We had gone to the movies ("20,000 Leagues Under The Sea") the night her Dad died. I thought the world of him and cried right along with her. She was so special ... one of a kind and I was blessed by knowing her. I still love 'ya, Jo ... and you're still beautiful. Phil

03/13/2021 03:34 am

Cancel reply

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.