Jo Garcia Obituary

Garcia, Jo Ann

Jo Ann L. Garcia, 51, once said her middle name, Luna, suited her. "I feel like I'm always chasing the moon," she said. It brings to mind an old saying: "Shoot for the moon. You'll land among the stars." Jo's kids were her stars. She raised three children - Olivia, Reese and Gunnar - in Palatine with her husband of 31 years, Adam Higdon. Olivia has Jo's spark - a smile for everyone and plenty of smarts. Reese has Jo's inquisitive eyes and sensitivity to others. Gunnar has her determination and work ethic that are on display when he plays lacrosse. She is survived by that loving family, her mother, Elena, and siblings Iliana, Martin (Candy), Rosendo, Art (Nuray Uysaloglu) and Marlen (Jim Murray). She was preceded in death by her beloved brother Erasmo and father, Pedro. She was an amazing aunt to Nikki (Nick), Joey, Lexi, Jonny, Gavin, Thomas, Max, Jack, Gabby and Dominic. She loved her dogs, Baby and Pibo. Every day, Jo Ann gave her family and friends the best she had. She couldn't understand why some people would give less. Jo approached her job at IPR Inc. in Bartlett with the same spirit. She worked at IPR for 28 years and was the accounting manager. She never took enough credit for her achievements and always gave thanks to the Lord. "Praise God," she said whenever a compliment or good deed came her family's way. When Jo was a teen, her abuela called her "La Chaparrita de Oro." It means small person made of gold. Abuelita nailed it. Like her husband, Jo put herself through college, working full-time almost the whole way. She completed her degree in accounting at age 30 at Northeastern Illinois University. She was a 1990 graduate of Maine West High School in Des Plaines and earned three varsity letters in soccer. She had a terrific group of Maine West friends. There was no greater NFL fan than Jo Ann. Her commentary was righteous. Fine whiskey was another favorite. She adored artwork by Vincent van Gogh. She never stopped chasing the moon. Services are pending.

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