Elizabeth Jovita “Jo” Center passed away peacefully on August 21 at the home of her son, Brian Center and his family after a steady decline in health at the age of 97.
She was the loving wife to the late John “Jack” Center, together they enjoyed 31 years of marriage, blessed with the birth of their son, Brian.
The daughter of the late John and Margaret MacNeil of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Jovita was a dedicated sister to Malcom Mac Neil, Magdeline Giddings, Murdock MacNeil, John Joe MacNeil, Teresa Lawther, and Michael MacNeil, who all loved her and will greet her as she enters Heaven.
Brian, his wife Jayne, and their three sons, Steven, David and Michael cared for Jo these last few months, and enjoyed many final moments of storytelling, bourbon drinking, and laughter while watching television together or sitting outside in the sunshine.
Jo became a “mother” to her siblings at a young age when her parents died, working diligently to keep the siblings from being separated. She showed her love in many ways, always placing family above all else, even her own needs. She was a true hero and lifesaver to many, always humble, and generous to all. She never lost her love for her siblings and Cape Breton, and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends of her extended family.
The family invites you to join them at Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden to share a favorite story or a hug on Friday, August 25 from 4-7 PM. All are invited to attend the Funeral Mass for Jo at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden on Saturday, August 26 at 10am. Services will conclude with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.
Proverbs 31:31. “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring praise at the city gate.”
Her faith sustained her, and her family finds comfort knowing she is resting in peace with her husband, parents and siblings.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cancer fund of your choice. All of us have been touched by cancer in one form or another, Jovita was a breast cancer survivor for 23 years.
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In lieu of flowers, reach out to an elderly relative or friend. Your time means more than anything you could ever buy for them. Jo loved when she received a long-distance call from one of her family members, she talked about that call for days. What seems so simple to you could mean the world to someone else.