Jo Rita Holroyd

Jo Rita Holroyd, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, in Los Alamitos, California with her daughter, Wendee, by her side. Born on April 7, 1946, in Parsons, Kansas, Jo Rita’s life was one woven with love, laughter, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship. Her life was marked by boundless warmth, and a loving spirit that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A graduate of Downey High School’s class of 1964, Jo Rita flourished in both her personal and professional endeavors. In her younger years, she was employed by McDonnell Douglas, where fate intertwined her path with the man she cherished deeply, Bill Holroyd. Their marriage, one of profound commitment and affection, spanned 58 rich years until Bill’s passing just a little over a year before her own. Jo Rita’s career journey led her through various roles including managing locations for Fuddruckers and Straw Hat, and later, a fulfilling tenure at Rite Aid Pharmacy, where long-lasting friendships blossomed.

Throughout her life, Jo Rita’s tender heart shone brightest in her role as a caregiver and nurturer. She was more than just a babysitter to the many children she lovingly watched over the years by opening her home and her heart to them. She was a cherished maternal figure, a guiding presence much like a grandmother, who offered comfort, care, and a safe haven. Several of her older grandchildren were blessed to grow under her watchful eye, a testament to her selfless devotion. At Grandma’s house, special treats and secrets were safeguarded with tender care. She delighted in being the keeper of those treasured moments that blossomed into lifelong memories.

Holiday celebrations with Jo were nothing short of magical and memorable. Her special parfait, crafted each Thanksgiving and Christmas, lovingly preserved by her family even when she could no longer make it herself. The laughter that accompanied these gatherings often sprang from humorous mishaps—ovens mistakenly set to clean instead of cook, culinary explosions, and smoky kitchens did little to dampen the joy of those celebrations.

Jo’s love for family was the cornerstone of her life. She found joy in giving gifts to her children, even as they grew into adulthood, celebrating occasions with Valentine’s surprises, Easter baskets, and always ensuring as they grew up that the holiday tree was full of presents, even during hard times. Her mischievous kids were always trying to figure out gifts under the tree before Christmas day forcing Jo to be creative at times using a number or color code system instead of names and finally giving up and keeping them locked away until Christmas morning.

Beyond her family, Jo Rita was a loyal and faithful friend. For nearly seven decades, she shared a sisterly bond with Joanie, Mary Jane, and Cheryl that started in middle school. Together they embraced the lighter side of life with fun adventures including whimsical “toilet papering” escapades and cherished photo shoots that often captured their playful sides and the essence of women whose hearts remained young and vibrate. These friendships stood as pillars of her life, embracing joy, loyalty, and shared memories.

Jo Rita is survived by her beloved children Young (Kristi) Holroyd, Wendee (Chris) Cadacio, and Josh (Susie) Holroyd; her proud grandchildren Aaron (Brittany) Holroyd, Michael (Brittany) Marchette, Kilee (Micah) Scheibe, Parker Cadacio, Karsen, Kaden, Kamren, Serenity, Trinity and James Holroyd; and her cherished great-grandchildren Jack, Paisley, and Kimberly Holroyd. Later in life, Jo Rita was overjoyed to be reunited with her daughter, Michele. Their relationship brought her peace and happiness in her final years. She is also survived by her brother Rick (Connie) Pearson, her sister Janene Godfrey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jo Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband William Holroyd; her parents John and Dorothy Pearson; her sisters Jeanette Maher and Kim Holbrook; her nephew Luke Gudde; her in-laws Alice and Earl Holroyd; and brothers-in-law Steven Godfrey and Harold and James L. Holroyd.

A Funeral Service honoring Jo Rita’s remarkable life will be held on April 7, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Forest Lawn - Cypress - Church of Our Fathers, located at 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, California 90630. Here, family and friends will gather to not only honor a woman whose kindness, laughter, and love enriched so many lives but to celebrate what would have been her 80th birthday on earth.

Jo Rita Holroyd’s story is one of dedication, kindness, and a spirit that lifted all around her. Her legacy is not only reflected in her beautiful family but also in the countless hearts she touched as a steadfast friend, devoted caregiver, and beloved matriarch. She lived her best life fully and leaves us inspired to embrace every moment with the same loving enthusiasm. Her spirit will forever soar among the angels she so lovingly collected, watching over all who were blessed to know her.