Obituary of Barbara Jo Ann Hoy

Retired United States Navy Commander Barbara Jo Ann Hoy passed from this life at her home in State College on Tuesday, July 27, 2010.

Jo Ann was born in State College on June 29, 1929, attended State College High School and Penn State, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951. She was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in December 1952, beginning a remarkable military career spanning 22 years and culminating with her retirement at the rank of commander in March 1974. Jo Ann served the Navy in training and administrative capacities throughout the United States and abroad. Her special interest was advising and overseeing appropriate training and utilization of enlisted and officer women throughout all Naval Air Reserve Commands. She received a Navy Commendation medal and National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star. Her promotion to commander in 1969 placed her among a select group of women to achieve that rank. Post military service, Jo Ann served as a member of the Board of Directors, U.S. Navy League, Washington, D.C. and a task force consultant, Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Mental Health.

She volunteered at the State College Food Bank and as a member of the BioMed Institutional Research Board at Penn State. Well known for her "can do" attitude, Jo inspired all who knew her by participating fully in life. Her enthusiasm was contagious and her interests varied. From her military service to political support, outdoor sports and "special projects," Jo was passionate about whatever she did.

She was an avid fan and supporter of Penn State football and the PSU Lady Lions basketball. Golf was another dedication. Jo was a longstanding member of the Blue Course Ladies Golf League in State College and organized the annual championship tournament. She also participated in the Geri Reeve Open Golf Tournament to benefit breast cancer.

For years Jo and her RV, "The Restless Wave," were a familiar site along I-95 to Florida, the Carolinas and the Chesapeake Bay, Md. With her dogs riding shotgun, this tradition of visiting special friends, playing golf and kayaking was typical "Jo." As a member of the Board of Directors of the Nittany Greyhound chapter of the Greyhound Rescue League, much of her energy in recent years was devoted to the acquisition and development of Rooo Valley, the local kennel facility that houses greyhounds in transition and serves as the hub of Nittany's adoption activities.

Jo Ann is the daughter of the late Eugene M. and Mildred Louise McMullen Hoy, of State College. She is survived by her sister, Judy Llewellyn; a brother, Ken; and sister- in-law, Rosie Hoy, also of State College. Nieces Deborah Llewellyn, of Leesburg, Va., and Dian Llewellyn-Brown with her husband, Richard, and their sons, Maximillian and Alexander, reside in Potomac, Md.. A niece, Pam, and her husband ,Jack Guisewite, with their daughter, Melinda Parsons, and their son, Tyler Guisewite, reside in McClure. A nephew, Dr. Kevin Hoy and his fiancŽe, Somier, of Sagamore Hills, reside in Cleveland.

The family has planned a memorial service celebrating Jo Ann's life at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. The casual gathering will be held on the lawn at Rooo Valley Farm, Home of the Nittany Greyhounds Adoption, 30 TLD Circle, Port Matilda. We will be prepared for rain. Donations on Jo Ann's behalf may be made to Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Dept. 560, Washington, DC 20042 or Rooo Valley, Home of Nittany Greyhounds Adoption, 30 TLD Circle, Port Matilda, PA 16870. Arrangements are under the direction of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences can be made at www.centredaily.com.