Jo-Ann H. Lobasz

Jo-Ann (Hanson) Lobasz, 83, of Southington, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Friday, January 19, 2024 at HOCC in New Britain. She shared 55 years with her soul mate and love of her life, the late Raymond J. Lobasz. 

Jo-Ann was born on December 30, 1940 in New Haven to the late Clemens and Adeline (Mattei) Hanson. She and Ray lived in North Haven for 30 years, before retiring to Vermont and eventually moving back to Southington to be closer to their family.

Jo-Ann was a natural organizer who took great pride in her work. After graduating from Hillhouse High School, she joined the stenographer pool at Southern New England Telephone Company in New Haven. Jo-Ann flourished and advanced at various companies, most recently at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in North Haven until her retirement. A staunch advocate for girls sports, she was president of the North Haven High School Booster Club for Female Athletes while her children were in school. She fought for better equipment and safe playing fields. Even after retirement, she kept busy working part-time at a real estate agency in VT and then at her son-in-law’s company in Plantsville.

Jo-Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always put her family first. Her unwavering love was evident, from her daily group texts to check-in with her children to showering her grandkids with little things she knew they’d like. Jo-Ann enjoyed puzzles and crosswords, reading, playing bingo with her friends, and watching UConn women’s basketball.

She is survived by her son, Michael Lobasz of Wallingford and two daughters, Kristen Touma and her husband Guy and Karen Lobasz, both of Southington and 6 grandchildren who were the light of her life: Matthew Touma and wife Karissa, Nicholas, Nathan, and Kayleigh Touma and Jacek and Camden Lobasz. She is also survived by two brothers, Carl Hanson and his wife Nancy of FL and William Hanson of East Haven, and her lifelong best friend and beloved cousin, Lorraine Affinito of Cheshire. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law Josephine Mavromatis. Jo-Ann was grateful to have been part of the community at The Orchards at Southington, where her new friends and compassionate caregivers felt like family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo-Ann’s memory may be made to the Southington Public Library. For more information, please email holleys@southington.org.

A prayer service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Calling hours will be held before the service from 1 – 3 p.m. at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.