Jo Rundio

Joan "Jo" Rundio, 75, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 16,
2017 at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids.

Jo was born in Dearborn, MI to Joe and Donna (Sells) Peters on March 17, 1941. After
graduating high school in Benton Harbor, she attended Bronson School of Nursing in
Kalamazoo. Intent on escaping Michigan winters, she and several classmates took jobs in
Honolulu, Hawaii after graduation. It was there that she met Florian "Pug" Rundio, with whom
she shared a love affair for the rest of her life. They married on September 8, 1971, embarking
on 45 years of companionship and adventure. Twin sons, Jeff and Dave arrived late in 1972,
joining Jo, Pug, and their beloved German Shepherd, Thunder. Numerous moves followed, with
Jo always blossoming where planted. Ultimately, deepest roots took place among the
friendships and natural beauty of Traverse City.

Jo's career in nursing included positions in the emergency room, private practice, schools, and
public health. She continued her education while raising her two young sons, receiving a BA
from the University of Redlands and then a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the
University of South Alabama. After an internship in Troy, Jo joined the staff in Traverse City,
rising to the position of Assistant City Manager.

Jo's guiding principles of compassion, social tolerance and justice led to her life-long activism.
She was a strong and dedicated feminist, an organizer for the National Organization for
Women, committed to the Equal Rights Amendment, and a member of various local women's
groups. Jo lived to see the rewards of her efforts in the opportunities open to her
granddaughters. Her courage and strength helped inspire their confidence and dreams.
Above all else, Jo valued family and friends. She cherished and nurtured those relationships
with endless dedication and love. Most recently, Jo derived great joy and pleasure from
participating as a volunteer in Munson Healthcare's Breast Cancer Navigator Program.

Jo is survived by her husband Pug; sons, Jeff (Jen) Rundio of Traverse City, and Dave (Meg)
Rundio of Santa Cruz, CA; granddaughters Maya, Katie, Lucy; her parents Joe and Donna
Peters of Holland MI; her brothers Bill (Christine) Peters and Jim (Nanette) Peters both of Grand
Rapids, MI; furry family members, Hunter, Maisy, Sunny, Charming, Cyd; and many other family
members and friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home
from 5-7pm. In lieu of donations, Jo's family requests you give of yourself, your time, love, and
energy to those you love and that in which you believe.