Josephine "Jo" Vaara

VAARA, Josephine E. "Jo"; of Clarkston; passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026; age 93; devoted mother of Anne Marie (Lisa Woodcox) Vaara, Liisa (Jeff) Vaara-Lewis, Ingrid (Carl) Fuderer and Tasha (Chris) Vaara-Suydam; Nana of Nickora (Alex) Carmichael, MacRay Lewis, Claudia Fuderer (Ben Sims), Eric Fuderer, Nolan Suydam and Fiona Suydam; great grandmother of Madelyn and Teddy Carmichael; sister of Robert (Sandy) Nickora, also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Iosanna Nickora, her loving husband of 64 years, Melvin, sisters Lydia Mulder and Dorothy Bacis, and brother John Nickora.

Jo was born in Detroit on August 4, 1932 and was raised in Imlay City, Michigan. She graduated high school with the class of 1950. She was drawn to children at an early age and assisted a kindergarten teacher when she was in the sixth grade. As a teenager, she taught Sunday school and vacation bible school in the summers. Jo was involved in drama in high school and participated in many high school plays. She went to Central Michigan University and earned a degree in education. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, President of A.C.E. and participated in many plays on campus.

While teaching at Clarkston Elementary, Jo met and fell in love with Mel and they were married in June of 1957. She was a loving and devoted kindergarten teacher for Clarkston Community Schools for 24 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of The Waterford Civic Chorus and formerly served as a Stephen Minister and was in the choir at Calvary Lutheran Church. Jo volunteered for the Reach to Recovery for The American Cancer Society, a breast cancer support group and hospice.

There was no better mom, wife, friend and devoted Christian than Jo Vaara. Her smile would radiate the room and she was welcoming and caring to all that knew her. She was a faithful servant to God and brought pure joy to those around her. She was a friend to many and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Friends and family may visit at the Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home, Clarkston, on Friday, March 27, from 4p-7p. Visitation will also be held on March 28th from 9:30a-10:00a with a memorial service to follow at 10:00a.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Barns Senior Living, especially Jahquan and Renee, for their compassionate care and kindness.

Memorials in Jo's name may be made to the Independence Township Library .

Please leave a memory or condolence on the online guestbook below.