Jo Ann Hathaway

NORTH ADAMS – Jo Ann (Goodell) Hathaway, 66, passed away peacefully, Friday, July 1, 2022, at her sister’s home after a long struggle with cancer.

She was born at Fort Devens, Shirley, MA, daughter of the late Edwin and Kathleen G. (Grant) Goodell and graduated from Drury High School in North Adams. Jo Ann worked at Greylock Elementary School in North Adams as their school Librarian for the past 25 years and spent the last 20 summers with the amazing team at Mezze Catering in Williamstown, MA.

She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in North Adams. Her faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses kept her strong through her illness, continuously having hope of the Resurrection.   

Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 38 years, Randy Hathaway and their four children: three sons, Ryan Hathaway and his significant other Christine, John Hathaway, Justin Hathaway and his wife Michelle, all of North Adams, her daughter, Katelyn Baumbach and her husband Matthew, of Savoy, MA, and daughter-in-law, Angela Hathaway of North Adams. She was a loving Gigi to her beautiful grandchildren: John, Nicole, Haylie, Jessa, Mason, Oliver, Hudson, and Charlotte who is on the way. She also leaves her siblings: John Goodell and wife Laurie of Shaftsbury, VT, Robin Goodell and husband James Capuano of Worcester, Gregory Goodell and wife Donna of Hudson, NH, her mother-in-law, Gertrude (Honey) Hathaway, nieces, nephews, and her many loving friends from the Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was predeceased by her brother, Alan R. Goodell in 2018.

Jo Ann said she loved to wake up every morning. She lived fully in spite of repeated cancer diagnoses over many years. She was physically and emotionally strong, focusing on and investing in the things that were important to her and powering through no matter how sick she felt. Jo Ann loved gardening, knitting, and spending her summer months poolside with family and friends. She was always her happiest when spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

The family is holding a private celebration of Jo Ann’s life at a future date. There are no funeral services scheduled.

Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To place an online message of condolence, please visit www.callahanfay.com