PROVINCETOWN — Long-time Provincetown resident Jo Lynne Hohl died on Dec. 5, 2019 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was 62.
Jo Lynne was born on July 9, 1957 in Huntingburg, Ind. to the late Donald J. and Joella J. Hohl. She grew up in Chandler, Ariz. and came to Provincetown 40 years ago, making it her forever home.
Although she had a shorter-than-average life span, Jo Lynne lived life well. Fiercely independent, she traveled the world with family and friends, loved who she wanted to love, and told the best stories that often left her friends laughing until they cried.
“These memories will continue to be told even though Jo isn’t here to tell them because we have our memories along with video evidence,” wrote her friend Dorothy Caruso. “So the legend that is Jo Lynne Hohl lives on, because her many great friends would have it no other way.”
Jo Lynne had a passion for everything she did. She enjoyed being a server (most of the time) in some of Provincetown’s finest restaurants, including Front Street, where she worked for 30 years, along with stints at Jimmy’s Hideaway, Lorraine’s, the Mews, and Pepe’s Wharf.
But beyond work, Provincetown gave her the opportunity to find a myriad of interests in which to explore and experience what she loved. She was an avid boater, water skier, and clammer. She had a sharp eye as a beachcomber and would bring home treasures, including wonderful Native American artifacts. She created beautiful works of art from found objects that will grace her friends’ homes for years to come.
“She knew a lot about a lot of things and was fascinated by history,” said her friend Eve Reilly.
As a boat captain, Jo Lynne led memorable trips to Lake Powell on the borders of Utah and Arizona and, of course, along the shores of Provincetown and Truro.
Jo Lynne was a long-time volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown, and the Secret Santa program at Seashore Point Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.
Jo Lynne recently asked her loved ones to quietly watch the ocean with its beautiful sunrises and sunsets and be silent for a moment, having gratitude for this precious life and never taking for granted its true gift, family and friends.
Jo loved her family and cared for them all deeply. She is survived by her siblings, Becky and husband Mike Marsing; Larry and wife Linda Hohl; and Dee Dee and husband Rick. She leaves many nieces and nephews: Jennifer and husband Dallas; Brian and wife Fujiko, Jeff and wife Crystal; Megan and husband Nate; Talon and wife Angela; Brady and wife Halie; Ryan; and Austin. She was great aunt to Emi, Abby, Luke, Olivia, Marin, and Irie. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Luna.
A celebration of life will be held at a time and date to be announced.
Donations can be made in Jo Lynne’s name to ALS Association Mass. Chapter, 685 Canton St., Suite 103, Norwood, MA 02062.
