Jo Malaspina Scalzo

Longtime Mercer Island resident, Jo Scalzo, age 76, passed on April 12 with her devoted husband and loving family at her side. She fought an inspiring fight against and insidious foe. Jo was born June 9, 1933 in Chicago to recent Italian immigrants. She lived in an apartment above the family corner store. The family eventually moved to Rainier Valley area in Seattle. It did not take long before she met the love of her life Don, and after a storybook high school romance the couple married June 27, 1953. Don’s military service took them afar but they soon came back to the Seattle area, this time with their first child in tow. They built their home on the Island surrounded by relatives and went about the joy of creating and raising a family of seven children of their own, in the proud Catholic/Italian tradition. Though very private about her beliefs, she was a founding member of St. Monica’s parish and never missed her daily rosary in over 50 years. Jo was a creative, artistic individual. Without a lot of formal education, she had a thirst to learn and solve issues- a can do spirit, who was not afraid to tackle anything. She spent most of her adult life wearing out her library card, as well as her fingers, at the computer keyboard. She was savvy about many things without being a know-it-all. She had strong feelings, but did not feel the need to spout off. She had sage advice for the family that would resonate with all, regardless of age.In between juggling the responsibilities and tribulation that raising seven children require, Jo went to work creating beautiful candlesticks and other treasures from old lamps and fixtures she had collected. A typical day could consist of room mothering, tending a garden, running to an estate sale, making dinner for 10, dashing to the grocery store before they close and then getting to work on her craft. She continued her innovative creations and restorations of wax, fiberglass and wood. Her collecting, tinkering and research expanded into all areas of antiquing and soon she opened her first store, “Once Upon a Time Antiques” on the Island. It was a beautiful store, as much a museum as it was a place of business. Later, she went into various antique malls as well as being the unofficial “Restoration Hardware” store for family and friends. Here hands and mind were never idle. Her mother Rita Malaspina and father Mike, preceded her in death. Brother John and Michael survive her. She also leaves her husband of 56 years, Don, along with daughters Linda Scalzo-Dierdorff (Mike), Lilli Pietromonaco (John), Laura VanDyke (Greg), Joni Ulfwengren (Eric), Lisa Nordstrom (James) and sons Mark (Allyson) and Michael (Carmen), along with eighteen grandchildren. All live nearby their loving matriarch, most on Mercer Island. They are her legacy and a testament to the great life she led. She was laid to rest at Sunset Hills.

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