Jo Lynne Murchland

Jo Lynne Murchland, 82, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family on December 5, 2020, in Fort Myers, FL. She was the widow of Gayle John Murchland who cherished and adored her for 25 years of marriage.

 Born in East Liverpool, OH, she was the daughter of Ray M. Belt and Dorothy Louise Calhoun. She graduated from Weir High School in Weirton, WV in 1956. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Denison University in Granville, OH with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1960. She was selected for membership in Denison’s prestigious Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society. She was also actively involved in the Pi Beta Phi women’s fraternity where she served as President her Senior year. Her passion for helping others was noticed early on as a Junior Advisor and later Head Resident for the Freshman dormitory.

 Her career spans many decades with its beginnings in Tulsa, OK as a Federal Funds Trader at the Bank of Oklahoma. After moving to Cape Coral, FL, in 1979, she transitioned to real estate sales with VIP Realty where she was highly regarded for her professionalism and industry knowledge. Her success elevated her to Sales Manager where she mentored a team of agents. In 1995, she launched The Sassy Skein with a dear friend and business partner. The Sassy Skein was a small, yet international, business that catered to children’s custom knitwear designs. Her patented cotton yarns, handcrafted buttons, kid-friendly patterns, and charming accessories were mass produced and shipped internationally to yarn shops with an eye for colorful, sassy designs. The Sassy Skein was recognized for its innovative designs and frequently featured in industry publications and at national trade shows. In 2001, Jo Lynne and her business partner authored Paintbox Knits, which featured 30 designs and later followed with More Paintbox Knits in 2003, both of which graced the shelves of Barnes & Noble.

 Jo Lynne’s two loves were her family and traveling with her late husband. She loved her family unconditionally and created special bonds with each family member that will be treasured and passed on for many generations. Her exterior beauty paled in comparison to her exquisite inner beauty, selflessness, wisdom, loyalty, and humor. Jo Lynne was adventurous, from sailing to snow skiing to flying, and was always willing to immerse herself in cultures both near and far. With her traveling companion, Gayle, she saw the world.

 Jo Lynne is survived by her daughters Laura Lynne Bartlett Bryan (Bill Bryan) and Leigh Ann Bartlett Cain (John Cain) and  stepchildren Michael Jason Murchland and Michelle Leigh Murchland Hano; beloved granddaughters Ashleigh Elizabeth Cain, Rachel Ruffin Cain, Alexis Sarah Hano, Sophia Gayle Hano, and Isabella Jane Hano.

 A Celebration of Jo Lynne’s Life was held on Dec. 17th. Interment will follow at Chestnut Ridge Cemetery in Burgettstown, PA in January, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in remembrance of Jo Lynne to the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, 12468 Brantley Commons Court, Fort Myers, FL 33907 or online at alzheimersswfl.org.