Jo-Ann Curtis

Jo-Ann (Berkman) Curtis, 56, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 1, 1967, in Nyack, NY to Charles and Adele (Angioli) Berkman.

Jo-Ann graduated from SI Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University and ran her own design and marketing firm, J. Curtis Designs. In addition, she also worked as Marketing/Communications Director of the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County. 

Jo-Ann’s superpower clearly was her infinite capacity to love her family. From the very beginning, the foundation of this magnificent love was reinforced by her parents, grandparents, siblings, and a substantial extended family. While at Syracuse University, she fell in love with Kevin (her husband), and subsequently over the course of their beautiful marriage, were blessed with four extraordinary children, which are clearly her greatest achievement.  

In addition to loving and serving her family, Jo-Ann served her Church and Community. For many years, she volunteered as a Life Teen Core member at St. Patrick’s Church, whose missionis to lead teens closer to Christ. In addition, she was an active volunteer for all her children’s soccer, lacrosse and field hockey sports programs. 

Through the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, she was a member of Women’s United (whose mission is to improve the lives of women and children in the greater Carlisle community), and has been a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society for many years. Prior to the COVID pandemic, her most visible work thru the United Way was leading and organizing the annual Glee College A Cappella competition, held at the Carlisle Theater. The event was a SOLD-OUT show for its final 4 years, and proceeds were used to benefit the United Way Annual Fund 100% Guarantee program.

In addition to her parents, surviving Jo-Ann is her loving husband, Kevin Curtis of Carlisle; children, Justin (and Erica) Curtis of Carlisle, Bryanna (and Tyler) Hartzel of Mechanicsburg, Jarred Curtis of Carlisle, and Jacob Curtis of Carlisle; siblings, Kevin (and Mitzi) Berkman of Savannah GA, Jill (and Jason) Siruchek of Campbell Hall NY, Melissa (and Angelo) Herrera of Moore SC, and numerous nieces/nephew, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:30 PM in the Saint Patrick Church, 85 Marsh Drive, Carlisle, PA 17015 with Rev. Donald Bender as celebrant. A ‘live streaming’ link to view the Mass can be found at www.saintpatrickchurch.org. For those attending in person, avisitation will follow in the Parish Activity Center located on the Church property. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Patrick Church, or United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, 145 S Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs. Visit www.HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family.