Jo Ann Bocchi Collins, a 55-year resident of Pacific Palisades, died peacefully on March 25. She was 80. Jo Ann was born on December 12, 1930 in Buhl, Minnesota to Gemma and Gregory Bocchi. She left Minnesota in 1950 to join the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during the Korean War. She served as a staff sergeant until joining Hughes Aircraft in Culver City. Here she met her future husband, Robert Collins. They were married at Trinity Baptist Church in Santa Monica in 1956, and moved to Pacific Palisades. Their son Greg was born the following year, and a daughter, Laura, completed the family in 1959. Jo Ann raised her family as a stay-at-home mom and housewife in the Marquez Knolls area until moving to the Palisades Highlands in 1978. She volunteered her time to many local causes, including Marquez Elementary as a ‘noon’ aide and the Highlands Homeowners Association #4 for over 30 years in a variety of roles, including maintenance coordinator. Her devotion to Calvary Church was deep, whether it was tending to the kitchen, serving as a deaconess on the board or selling donuts between services. She also enjoyed many hobbies such as reading, gardening and following her beloved Dodgers. Jo Ann was predeceased by her husband Bob in 1992. She is survived by her son Greg of Santa Monica; her daughter, Laura Kahrilas (husband Nick) of Agoura Hills; three grandchildren, Cole, Mallory and Trent; and brothers Quint Bocchi of Bloomington, Minnesota and Angelo Bocchi of Lodi, California. She was predeceased by her sister Linda, brother Joseph and infant brother Sylvester. Memorial service plans are pending.
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