Obituary for Jo-Ann F. Augustine (Alphonse)
Our amazing mother, Jo-Ann Augustine, née Alphonse, of the Jersey Shore, took her final breath on December 31, 2022. At 75 years old, she lived a long and full life and closed out the year with one final vibrant light. She faced her final days with the strength and humor she was so well loved for, surrounded by her children.
Though her favorite role was matriarch, Jo-Ann shared her many talents with all that knew her. Seamstress, calligrapher, artist, optimist, collector, gardener, nature enthusiast, animal lover, prankster, prodigy of intuition, speed limit abider, avoider of routes 35 and 70 at all costs, great cup of coffee maker, cookie painter, crossword master, storyteller, beauty queen, and a million other things in between. We trust that some of her eclectic nature has inspired you over the years. If she knew you, she believed in you. Her door was always open.
She was blessed with her 5 children and 9 grandchildren whose photos and stories she would share proudly: Gabriel Augustine (Rachel, Michael, Lucian), Erin Sainte Augustine Gomes (James, Kai), Ember Augustine (Alfredo, Klara, Clay), Elisha Costigan (Conor, Eila, Everly, Cormac), Andria (Annie) Ribakusky (Jeffrey, Russell). Best friend, Debbie Andriacchi, was a mainstay through the years and brought much joy through their friendship. They were often seen lunching and laughing together at Woolley’s Seafood House.
Jo-Ann is survived by siblings: Winnie Howland (Steven), Sandy Vetrano (Joel), Dominic Vetrano (Karen) and many nieces, nephews, friends, family and friends that are family. She was preceded in death by siblings Phylles Vetrano and Samuel Vetrano (Connie) and her parents. Jo-Ann is reunited with her long list of family pets, including Kayak of the Americas, Mr. Raspberry, Echo by the Sea, Speckled Lady Hamilton, Killian, Little Cat, Black Shadow, Follow Garcia Poochie Pog, Canoe and countless others.
Relatives, friends, and others who were touched throughout Jo-Ann’s life are invited to a memorial visitation on Wednesday, January 4th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, NJ with a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, January 5th at 10:30am at St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ. In Jo-Ann's memory, donations may be made to Fulfill Monmouth and Ocean County, fulfillnj.org ,to stop hunger and the Monmouth County Society monmouthcountyspca.org for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Though her favorite role was matriarch, Jo-Ann shared her many talents with all that knew her. Seamstress, calligrapher, artist, optimist, collector, gardener, nature enthusiast, animal lover, prankster, prodigy of intuition, speed limit abider, avoider of routes 35 and 70 at all costs, great cup of coffee maker, cookie painter, crossword master, storyteller, beauty queen, and a million other things in between. We trust that some of her eclectic nature has inspired you over the years. If she knew you, she believed in you. Her door was always open.
She was blessed with her 5 children and 9 grandchildren whose photos and stories she would share proudly: Gabriel Augustine (Rachel, Michael, Lucian), Erin Sainte Augustine Gomes (James, Kai), Ember Augustine (Alfredo, Klara, Clay), Elisha Costigan (Conor, Eila, Everly, Cormac), Andria (Annie) Ribakusky (Jeffrey, Russell). Best friend, Debbie Andriacchi, was a mainstay through the years and brought much joy through their friendship. They were often seen lunching and laughing together at Woolley’s Seafood House.
Jo-Ann is survived by siblings: Winnie Howland (Steven), Sandy Vetrano (Joel), Dominic Vetrano (Karen) and many nieces, nephews, friends, family and friends that are family. She was preceded in death by siblings Phylles Vetrano and Samuel Vetrano (Connie) and her parents. Jo-Ann is reunited with her long list of family pets, including Kayak of the Americas, Mr. Raspberry, Echo by the Sea, Speckled Lady Hamilton, Killian, Little Cat, Black Shadow, Follow Garcia Poochie Pog, Canoe and countless others.
Relatives, friends, and others who were touched throughout Jo-Ann’s life are invited to a memorial visitation on Wednesday, January 4th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, NJ with a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, January 5th at 10:30am at St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ. In Jo-Ann's memory, donations may be made to Fulfill Monmouth and Ocean County, fulfillnj.org ,to stop hunger and the Monmouth County Society monmouthcountyspca.org for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.