Edna Josephine Bortz

Edna Josephine Bortz, affectionately known as "Jo," was born on December 19, 1933, in her family home in Plumcreek, Pennsylvania. She gracefully embraced the journey of life until she peacefully departed at home on February 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rich in love, hard work, and dedication.

A high school graduate of the Elderton Joint High School, Jo pursued her education at Penn State University, majoring in home economics. However, her unwavering commitment to her family led her to leave her studies prematurely to manage the family dairy farming business after the passing of her father. Throughout her life, Jo demonstrated a remarkable strength of will and a fierce love for her family that defined her character. She was not only an industrious entrepreneur who owned and operated a family car wash/laudrymat/dry cleaning business, but also a dedicated member of the Amway community as Diamond member and a compassionate home health aide.

Jo's nurturing nature found expression in her hobbies and interests. She had a wonderful talent for sewing, crafting clothes for her children and creating delightful Halloween costumes and special Easter outfits. Her sewing skills carried on into the next generation, as she made alterations to her grandchildren's outifts as well, ensuring that every piece was as special as the moments they celebrated together.

As a proud matriarch, her family was her greatest accomplishment and most cherished treasure. She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank Bortz; beloved daughters Sherry Gongloff and Christine Tate; and her dear son, Brian Bortz. Jo's legacy continues through her eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom carry a piece of her heart within them.

Jo's heart has a profound void left behind by the loss of her precious daughter, Cathryn Fasnacht; her sister, Hazel B Kimmel; and her half-brother, Robert Kimmel. Though she is no longer physically present, her kindness and spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

To honor Jo's life, friends and family will gather for a church service Saturday March 22, 2025 at 10:00am. Services will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College Pa 16801.  

Jo will always be remembered as a fiercely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and her legacy of love will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of calling her their own.