Marilyn Jo Caddell
April 15, 2013
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Service Details
Jo Caddell, 75, passed away April 15, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. She was born to Rodney and Ruth Hagglund in St. James, Minnesota, on August 29, 1937.
Jo retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield after many years of service, and she drove school bus for the Ankeny School District for 15 years. Jo was an avid lover of all animals, and for the past 20 years, she was owner and chief pet sitter for Best Friends Angels, Inc.
Jo is survived by her children, Lonn (Robin) Abeltins, Peg (Scott) Whitehurst, and Michael Abeltins, as well as her grandchildren, Chelsea (Jack) Sawyers and Ian Bergstrom.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, where all of her four-legged friends are also welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Jo.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Diane Brewer
01/26/2014
My heart grieves with the family and please know Best Friends Angels live in many hearts human, fur face or feathery. She live in our stories and lives with memories that will last forever. My regrets II missed her obit, , please know I leave fond memories of my friends, Jo
Doug Kouma
04/21/2013
Thank you to the family for calling today to let us know of Jo's passing. She cared for our dogs and cats for many years anytime we were away from home, and we always rested easy knowing they were in such good hands. The dogs loved their playtime with Jo so much, I don't think they even missed us when we were gone! Buddy, Lucy, Alice, and Oliver have lost a dear friend. With a heavy heart, I offer my deepest sympathies to Jo's family and friends.
Wendy Christman
04/21/2013
I just learned of Jo's passing, and grieve with her family. I actually received an email from her two weeks ago assuring me that my cats would be cared for by Carol. All of us, and our four legged friends will miss her dearly. My deepest condolences to her family.
Karen Kilborn
04/20/2013
I just found out about this today and will miss her sooo much. We had fun playing word games across the miles and shared our love of animals. She was truly an angel to the animals and I am sure she was greeted by many of the animals she had cared for through the years at heavens gate.
glenda battles
04/20/2013
My heart has broken. Goodbye sweet, sweet loving friend.
Pat Cook and Erika Cook
04/19/2013
We are so sad to lose your mother. We loved her like a member of our family. Our dog was always delighted to see her. Last year when my husband was dying of cancer, your mother went the extra mile to help me when I needed it. Her positive attitude and work ethic was an inspiration to everyone. In honor of your mother,we are making a contribution to the Animal Rescue League.
With sympathy,
Pat and Erika
Jill Neidig
04/18/2013
Jo was a wonderful person. It is difficult to trust someone with your pets, but I always felt that my dogs were being taken care of like I would have taken care of them when Jo came to the house. We will miss you Jo. Someday we will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge in heaven, where you and all of our beloved pets will be waiting. I find great comfort that you are there. My deepest sympathies to your family. Rest in peace Jo. We are really going to miss you.....
Sarah Mitchell Fagen & Dick Mitchell
04/18/2013
So sorry to hear about your mom. May it help in some some small way to know we care and send our love and sympathy. She was a great lady! Peg I think of you often and would love to hear from you. My number is 760-420-1218.
Sherry wilkinson
04/17/2013
Jo was a special friend to me and to my pets. I always knew she would take care of my bird and cats like they were her own. She was so thrilled when Bonaparte, my macaw (or Mr. B, as she called him) gave her a kiss or Scoobie, my cat, sat on her lap. Even three weeks ago, she was trying to figure out how she could have treatment and still care for her animal friends. She was a true "Angel." I will miss her very much.
Linda Wickett
04/17/2013
The animals in Des Moines lost a great advocate and their humans lost a wonderful friend. Jo took such fantastic care of the animals (birds, cats, fish) in our office for many years. She always insisted on the very best for "her" animals. I won't forget her "Monday morning updates" on the status of our office critters. So glad I had the pleasure and honor of being her friend.
Carole Frier
04/17/2013
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jo was a true Angel to our Best Friends. She will be missed very much. Percy will not know how to get along without his "Aunt Jo"
Carole Frier, Percy and the memory of our beloved Scooby.
Judy Brooks
04/17/2013
So very sorry for your loss! She was a true champion of animals and her love of her brood proved it. Who else would feed the cats at the dining room table?! I will miss her.
Faith Dorn
04/17/2013
Oh my I am sick to hear this. Jo has been a true friend to me and my boys Cosmo and Martini. She has been a faithful companion to them on many a days to walk them and visit them for over ten years. My heart is breaking - Jo we love you so much and will miss you more than words can say. Love - Faith,Cosmo, Martini Dorn
Sue Landwehr
04/17/2013
She will be greatly missed. She was always a joy to be with. I will miss my once a month morning coffee with her and her pets. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Drew McLellan
04/17/2013
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Jo. She exuded an amazing warmth and affection to all she met -- both human and the animals she loved so dearly.
As a frequent traveler -- she gave me such comfort to know that my furry friend was being well loved and cared for in my absence. I will miss Jo's cheery email updates, her warm smile and her compassion for all living things.
She lived a life we can all aspire to live as well. She loved all and was loved by all.
The McLellan household is going to miss her terribly.