Jo Ann Masla Reynolds

Jo Reynolds, affectionately known as “Rainbow Jo,” passed away peacefully on Sunday January 17, 2021 at the age of 81. She was born in Chicago on December 2nd, 1939 to John Masla and Vera Wanago. Cherishing her Windy City heritage, she loved to show off in the kitchen by making her family kugela recipe for every holiday. Nothing brought her more joy than getting to host the holidays in her home, which was sure to be a day full of laughter, good food, bird-watching in the backyard, and admiring her latest addition to the garden…all accompanied by the cuddles of one of her many canine companions. Throughout her life, she loved to travel, whether that was visiting family all across the country, galavanting through Europe as a travel agent and tourist, or fishing off the coast of Florida with her son. She was always keen to show off photo albums of her travels, or to dream up her next vacation to Paris. Jo loved and valued her family first and foremost, and was an ever-present energy in the lives of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She could brag for days about each and every one of them. Jo is survived by her siblings, John Masla, Alvira Rickett, and Patricia Cattapan; her daughter, Lisa Gilbride; her grandson, Brad Gardner; her granddaughter, Jessica Barton (and her husband Mike Barton); her great-grandchildren, Myra and Cece Barton; and her cousin, Annette Wanago. She’s “over the rainbow” now with her son, Kirk Gardner, and her brother, Raymond Masla. To quote her favorite song: Someday I’ll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds Are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That’s where you’ll find me. Rainbow Jo, we know where to find you. May every rainbow be a reminder to us all of your beautiful time with us.