Obituary of Jo Ann Douglas

“Born on November 17, 1947, Jo Ann Douglas passed peacefully on April 26, 2025, at Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan, NY.  Her life was a testament to love, connection, and unwavering dedication.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Known lovingly as the “Mayor of Wegmans,” Jo’s connections went far beyond the workplace.  She was the type of person who remembered faces, families, and stories, turning every interaction into a moment of meaning.  Her sanctuary was her garden, where her beloved peonies bloomed year after year, a reflection of her enduring beauty and strength.

The guidance of her parents shaped her, Annabell L. Douglas (February 14, 1990) and Joseph A. Douglas (May 29, 1994), who instilled in her a remarkable sense of devotion and resilience.

She shared a boundless love with her life partner, Mike Michalko, who was her life’s light and unwavering companion.  Her pride in her daughter, Margarete Dieg-Kessler, and son-in-law, Michael Kessler, was immeasurable.  Among her many cherished connections was her dear friend and honorary “Brother Bill,” Bill Michalko, and his wonderful wife, Rae Ann, who held a special place in her heart.  Jo also shared a close and unbreakable bond with her brother, Rick Greene, who remained a constant source of love and support throughout her life.

Jo’s dedication and resilience defined her career, never missing a single day of work.  Her spirit, like her cherished peonies, will continue to inspire all who knew her.  At Wegmans, she found not just coworkers but a loving family who treasured her deeply, including Holly, her mentor and one of her closest friends.

Her extraordinary strength and spirit will forever bloom, just like her cherished peonies.

Family and friends are invited to Jo’s calling hours on Friday, May 2, 2025, at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  A funeral service will follow at 6:15 p.m.

In place of flowers, please plant a tree in Jo’s memory through Plant Memorial Trees or donate to Keuka Comfort Care Home, P O Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527, where she spent her final days surrounded by love.