Obituary of Jo-Ann Blewett

Jo-Ann Sandra Blewett (nee Fortais)

October 25, 1945 – January 22, 2026

Jo-Ann Blewett, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Ottawa with her devoted husband at her side. Jo-Ann was born in Timmins Ontario on October 25, 1945. She moved to Elliot Lake where she completed high school and met her husband, Howard. Jo-Ann and Howard became teachers and moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where she taught at many primary schools across the city. She and Howard moved to Arnprior Ontario, in 2022 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. 

A deeply devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Jo-Ann was intensely proud of her two daughters Cyndy Recker (Brad) and Lisa McClain (Bill) and four wonderful (her word) grandchildren Billy and Charlie McClain and Hilary and Justin Recker, all of whom loved her dearly. Jo-Ann was predeceased by her parents John and Betty (Stevens) Fortais, her brother Chuck Fortais, brother -in-law Bob Blewett (late Ruth) and sister-in-law Jean Hakka (late Ray). 

Throughout her life, Jo-Ann built up a vast circle of friends with whom she kept in contact over many decades. She was a fantastic listener, always available to lend an ear, hold a hand, or provide advice when a family member or friend called with a problem, big or small. Jo-Ann was always a phone call away and loved to hear about and celebrate the accomplishments of the many children and grandchildren of her friends. She will be greatly missed by many. 

Jo-Ann’s arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Boyce Funeral Home Ltd., 138 Daniel Street N, Arnprior, where a visitation will be held on Thursday January 29, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local Humane Society. For the Arnprior and District Humane Society Click Here. For more Humane Society listings please utilize the donations tab to the left of this page, for cellular devices, please utilize the drop-down arrow at the top of this page, or the Canadian Cancer Society Click Here would be appreciated.