On the morning of 04 May 2022, Jo Eileen Kreeger nee Shive passed away following a brief illness, at the age of 72 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Henry Shive and Rachel (Grim) Shive. Born in Red Lion, Pennsylvania on 04 August 1949, she was a Girl Scout, graduated from Red Lion High School in 1967 and then attended Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, where she graduated in 1971 with a degree in Biochemistry. A few years later in 1973 she married then Ensign Theodore “Ted” Kreeger, and another chapter of her adventures began.
Jo supported and accompanied Ted during his deployments all over the world, with Sicily being one of the many highlights from 1983-1985, and again during his tour of duty as Commander of the U.S. NAS Sigonella in Sicily. They made lifelong friends and connections there, some of which are still in effect even after Ted’s retirement from active duty in 1994.
She possessed a breadth of knowledge and maintained a curiosity of many subjects. She embraced modern technology which she navigated with ease through self-help resources,
and an innate curiosity that kept her abreast of events back home in York, PA where she had
the York Daily Record bookmarked and regularly reviewed the Wilson College Alumni Magazine. Jo was neighborly, always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand whenever necessary. She maintained a network of friends and acquaintances, most of whom we have never met.
A meticulous record-keeper she was, and we were always amazed that she could remember
the most obscure and arcane details. Once Jo made a decision, there was no changing her
mind, your only option was to move on. Canning was a favorite pastime, as was trying new recipes, reading, cross-stitching and baking. Those who were fortunate enough to receive Christmas cookies and birthday cakes can attest to her excellent baking skills. She enjoyed watching golf, particularly the PNC championship and college football. Jo looked forward to the Winter Olympics and was most passionate about the Curling event.
Jo was preceded in death by her fun-loving husband Ted, CDR USN (Ret.), and her dachshund Lily over whom they doted. In addition to her sister Jane Shive of York, PA, Jo is survived by cousins Gary Smyser of Wisconsin and Josie Dick of Pennsylvania; godson Brian Keith Jewell and his family of North Carolina; her Italian family of Maria and Anastasia Mazzurco of Catania, Sicily; her “Collins cousins” Yvonne and Suzanne of Virginia Beach, and Liam of Maryland; friends Linda Zuhri and her son Scott; neighbors Chris, Ben, and Lily Powell and Rachel; also Jim and Barb Williams; and many more with whom we are not familiar, but you know who you are!
In remembrance, Jo would appreciate you consider donating to the Norfolk SPCA in Virginia or the York County SPCA in Pennsylvania, both of which she supported over the years. A funeral service for Jo and Ted will occur at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.
A virtual informal remembrance will held on her birthday at this link: https://sites.google.com/view/jskreeger
Condolences may be expressed at candfservices.com.