Carmel Valley

Jo-Ann was born in Chicago and grew up in Elmwood Park, IL. Parents John and Helen Meerse and sister Patricia Baron pre-deceased her. Jo-Ann graduated from Proviso High School and Elmhurst College in Illinois. She holds a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Music for elementary students. Jo, as she was affectionately known, is an advocate for students who enjoy all music and seek an understanding of the orchestral-symphonic form.

Jo taught second and third grades in Park Ridge, IL., after graduating from Elmhurst in 1959. In 1963 she moved to Monterey, CA and taught at Monte Vista School where she developed an all-school chorus. She was lovingly known as "The Fierce Miss Meerse" by some of her more creative students.

Jo met Russell Hatch in 1966 and they were married in July 1967. She paused her teaching career to start a family and they had 2 children, Ross in 1969 and Meredith in 1970. In 1971 they settled in a new home in Hidden Hills, Carmel Valley where they lived for the last 53 years.

Jo was a member and President of the Monterey Choral Society and soloed under the direction of Maestro Haymo Tauber. She was also a member of the Monterey Choraleers and sang in church choirs.

Jo went back to teaching in 1980 and taught several elementary grades at Chualar School until her retirement in 1992. She served on the Monterey County Grand Jury in 1994 and 1995 as Secretary. Jo served for 15 years as a Board Member of the Monterey Symphony and as a member of the Music Committee. She served as a volunteer for the Back Festival starting in the early 1970's and became an avid supporter. She supports the Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL) program.

Her latest and most fervent project is Youth Music Monterey County (YMMC). She has served on the Board and as a supporter for several years. Jo is a member of the Monterey Old Capitol Lions Club and supports the Blind &Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County. She is past president of Old Capitol Lions.

Jo-Ann is survived by her husband of 57 years, Russell Hatch, son, Ross Hatch of Salinas, and daughter, Meredith Palmer (Kevin) of Hamilton, New Zealand, grandsons, Logan and Travis Palmer, and extended family in California, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, and Illinois.

She loved camping throughout the United States, travelling to Europe, and most especially to New Zealand.

Gusty Jo, we are retiring your email handle with Love.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests supporting YMMC, 546 Hartnell St., Monterey, CA 93940, youthmusicmonterey.org Or any of the organizations above that she loves.

The family will be celebrating her life at a later date.