Josephine Probol

Josephine Jo Probol was a passionate, caring, determined woman who, through her commitment to her family, redefines the concept of unconditional love. She was a loving, devoted wife, mother and Nona, who did everything she could to support and encourage her loved ones. Although petite in stature, Jo loved abundantly and achieved much in her 82 years of life. It is a gift none of her family and friends will ever forget. The stock market crash would forever mark 1929 as the year the Great Depression began. More than that, however, it was also the year that Giuseppe Rallo and his wife, Maria (Buttice), of St. Louis, Missouri welcomed the birth of their beautiful daughter, Josephine Ann, on April 9, 1929. Jo, as she was called, was one of three children; she had two brothers, Anthony and Raymond, who undoubtedly were there to watch over her growing up. In the spring of 1953, Jos life was about to change. She was living in Detroit at the time and it happened that her car was in the shop getting some work done. One of the guys working there thought Jo would be a good match for his friend, Manfred Fred Probol, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. As fate would have it, Jo and Fred were true soul mates and after a whirlwind courtship of three months, they were married in a very large traditional Italian wedding on July 11, 1953, in the Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit. Jo and Fred shared many delights and heartaches together in their 55 years of marriage. They rejoiced in the births of their two children: Annette and Frederick, who brought them great pride and joy. However, they mourned the loss of their daughter Annette who died in an automobile accident on August 7, 1974 shorty after graduating college and working towards her Masters degree. Jo and Fred learned, suffered and grew together even more as a couple, and later shared in the joys their four precious grandchildren would bring. Jo was a very strong woman, both as a wife and mother. It was said that she was quiet the force behind her husbands professional accomplishments as he traveled internationally for work for many years, while she held everything together at home. One of her secrets to making things run smoothly was to be well organized; she could expertly pack Freds suitcase in 30 minutes for a 10 day trip, never missing a beat. Another of her special talents was in the kitchen as an excellent cook. Many warm memories as a family were made sitting down to one of Jos fabulous Sunday dinners, though everyones favorite was her spaghetti sauce. In the Probol household, it wasnt Christmas without Jos yummy cookies. She would start the dough weeks before actually baking them and it wasnt usual for her to have 8 to 10 different kinds of cookies, all beautifully decorated. Jo loved to give of her time and talents, especially when it benefited her family. As an accomplished seamstress, she made one of a kind prom dresses for her daughter, as well as other creative outfits. Later on, when Jo had an empty nest at home, she opened a shop in Lakeview with her girlfriend called Gift Gallery, which featured crafty and unique gifts for everyone. Part of the fun for Jo was going hunting for merchandise for the shop at Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Jo co-owned the store for 10 years and it was quite successful. Jo led an active life, and part of that was enjoying time with her close circle of friends. They met regularly at the Battle Creek Country Club for lunch or to play cards. Jo had a competitive spirit, particularly when playing Bridge, and although the stakes in the game were never high, she and her friends walked away with some good laughs and having won something! When at home, Jo enjoyed spending time gardening and maintaining a beautifully landscaped yard that she was very proud of. Her greatest joy, however, was spending cherished moments with her grandchildren, who she adored. From the time they were just babies, Nona, as they affectionately called her, watched over them, played with them and took them to the club to swim. Her grandkids never had to be asked twice about coming to Nonas house - there they knew they were truly loved. Another of Jos great loves was for animals. Throughout her life, she has had some kind of furry companion that she was doting on. In fact, others often commented on how well she cared for her dogs, giving them special meals and having plenty of toys and blankets around for their comfort. Some joked about coming back in a second life just to be Jos furry companion. Of all the wonderful things in Jos life, time spent with her son, Frederick, and grandchildren towered above the rest. As the years went on, Frederick was not only a beloved son to Jo, but also a true friend. For those that grew up with Frederick, they knew that his mother was his rock and strong foundation, and her unconditional love and wise counsel was a constant support and comfort in his life. In the end, he reciprocated that same unconditional love by being his mothers caretaker and advocate. Sadly, Jo died of surgical complications at the Cleveland Clinic with her son at her bedside, though some think that perhaps it was her broken heart from losing her beloved husband just a year before. Either way, Jo will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her and remembered forever. Josephine A. "Jo" Probol, 82, died on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Jos family includes her son, Frederick W. (Diane) Probol of Tallahassee, FL; four grandchildren: Jonathon Probol, serving with the U.S. Marines, Ashley Probol, Nicholas Probol and Jaime Probol; her brothers, Anthony Rallo and Raymond Rallo; and her nieces and nephews. Husband, Manfred, and daughter, Annette, along with her parents preceded her in death. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 23, from 3-6 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Battle Creek Community Foundation for the Annette Probol Scholarship program.