Obituary

Jo Chris Reinert, of Laguna Niguel, California passed away peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of January 28, 2021.

Jo was the beloved (Italian) wife of Gary James Reinert for 48 years.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Jo was the daughter of Charles and Michelina Insalaco and sister to Tom, Carl & James, all predeceased. She is survived by a large and loving family of nieces and nephews and their children in Buffalo NY, California and other US locations as well as many close and loving friends.

Jo attended college at ASU in Phoenix, Arizona and earned her BA in Psychology. After graduation she worked for several doctors and managed a Medical Lab. Jo was also interested in acting and performed in the Phoenix Community Theater. She met Gary on his first night in Phoenix (April Fool’s Day) as he was looking for an apartment, and in the process of transferring from California to take a new job with 3M Company in Arizona.

As the plot thickened, Jo and Gary were married in Mazatlan, Mexico in 1973 surrounded by great friends. They were soon transferred to Pasadena, California and later Minnesota where Jo also worked for 3M Company in the Public Relations Department for 5 years. Another corporate move back to California and they settled in Laguna Niguel, where Jo became a Real Estate Agent with Tarbell Realtors and soon proved herself as a top agent with “Pro 100” recognition. She also served as a Branch Sales Manager at Tarbell for several years.

Jo retired from Tarbell the same year Gary retired from 3M Company so they could focus on their dreams and continued world travel, very often traveling with or visiting dear friends. Jo was always a passionate reader and traveler with adventures taking them to Italy and most of Europe plus Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, South Africa, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Korea, even North America (Buffalo) plus many extended stays in Mexico with family.

Jo had a free, loving and adventurous spirit and she always lit up a room when she entered. She is and will always be the light and love of Gary’s life.

Initially, in these strange times of COVID, a private Celebration of Life with some immediate family members will be held at a favorite and very familiar vacation spot on the tropical beach north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Please feel free to add any special comments and photos to this on-line obituary in celebration and love of Jo’s life.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please give flowers to someone you LOVE.