Jo Ann Kindestin

BARRE - Jo Ann (Josie) Kindestin, 89, peacefully passed away surrounded by family at the Central Vermont Medical Center on November 3, 2024.

Born on June 24, 1935, in Buffalo, NY to William and Philipa (Norman) Fish. She credits them for her belief of unconditional and never-failing love.

Josie grew up in Buffalo, New York with her sister Mary Ellen and brother Martin, both of whom she loved dearly. She graduated from St. Bartholomew’s Catholic High-School and Rosary Hill College with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She moved to Burlington, Vermont where she earned her master’s degree in in botany at the University of Vermont. She fell in love with Vermont and settled in the Barre area. Josie dedicated her career to helping
others in Vermont.

She worked as a science teacher at St. Monica’s School, where she was also a devoted parishioner. Later she worked as a dispatcher for the Vermont State Police and Rinker’s Communications. She was a transcriptionist for the legislative council and completed
her career as a consumer advocate at the Vermont Department of Banking and Insurance. Her expertise and sense of fairness supported thousands of Vermonters. Josie was a passionate advocate for animals, serving as a long-time board member of the Central Vermont Humane Society. She retired early to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren, embracing the role of devoted grandmother and savoring every moment with them.

Josie believed the greatest joy in her life was the love of her family. She treasured every moment with them. She was a role model to many. She was kind, thoughtful, generous, and compassionate. Her children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews adored her for
the unwavering love and support she provided.

Josie took pleasure in the little things. Whether she was saving animals; cheering for her favorite sports teams; reading; playing cards; or supporting every single event, recital, game, match, tournament, concert, play, performance, or ceremony her kids, grandkids and extended family and friends participated in. Following each with exclamations of how wonderful they had performed. She was a classically trained pianist and taught her grandchildren how to play
piano.

Survivors include her daughter Jackie Diamond and her husband, David of River Edge, New Jersey; her sons William (Bill) Kindestin and his wife, Kelly and Scott Kindestin and his wife, Kathleen all of Barre, Vermont; her grandchildren: Brittany Diamond, Joe Diamond, Steve Diamond, Erik Kindestin, Jacob Kindestin; her great-grandchild Tristian A. Russell and her sister-in-law Carole Fish; as well as many beloved extended family members.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Mary Ellen (Thomas) Anthony and her brother Martin Fish.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre. Following the service, interment will take place in Hope Cemetery in Barre.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, 1589 VT-14 S, East Montpelier, VT  05651 or to a local food shelf.