Jo Ann (Berryhill) Michetti died peacefully at home on June 26, 2024. Her 83 years are marked by an affection for people; love of food, wine and travel; and a talent for easily making others feel like family. She was predisposed to joy and optimism and experienced life as one long celebration.
The oldest of three siblings, Jo Ann spent her childhood in Stockton and Marin counties. She was a graduate of Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo and attended Santa Rosa Jr. College before going to work as a legal secretary. She was 18 when she met her late husband Bruno. They married in June 1960 and shared a great love affair of 47 years that was admired by many.
Jo Ann lived in the same house in Rancho Palos Verdes for 54 years. She and Bruno raised two rambunctious boys there, encouraging them to pursue a wide variety of sports and hobbies. Her house was a hub for the neighborhood kids, as well as their parents, who attended her frequent dinner parties.
Her passion for learning about her family history through genealogy research took her around the world, often in the company of her cousin and longest friend Sue Nelson. Italy, the country of her husband Bruno’s proud heritage, was Jo Ann’s favorite destination. After reconnecting with Bruno’s relatives in Stiava, she adopted his Italian culture and family as her own.
To her, the finer things in life were relationships. She collected friends throughout her travels and career, pulling strangers at the neighboring campsite or cruise ship cabin into her warm, disarming orbit. She was a mother figure to many.
Above all, Jo Ann was devoted to her family. Time spent with her late husband, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was most precious to her. Jo Ann’s was a life well-lived, a life that enriched the lives of hundreds of people who knew and loved her.
Jo Ann was predeceased by her husband Bruno Michetti, her father Lee Berryhill, her mother Wilda (Archer) Berryhill and her brothers Allen Berryhill and Bobby Berryhill. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Mark and Brittany and Matt and Chris; her granddaughters Bianca, Francesca and Eva; and her great-grandchildren Mason and Alina.
In lieu of flowers, enjoy a bottle of chardonnay in Jo Ann’s memory. Celebration of life details forthcoming.