Joanne (Jumper) McGregor Ganus

Margaret Joanne Jumper McGregor Ganus slipped away quietly on February 24, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on September 11, 1927, in Fostoria, Ohio to Hazel Hartsel and Raymond Jumper. They moved to Findlay when she was four. She graduated from Findlay High School where she made lifelong friends with the “Jimmies.” Joanne graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in Home Economics and was a member of Delta Gamma.  An annual scholarship continues her legacy and is awarded to a deserving Delta Gamma collegian.

After graduation, she returned to Findlay and worked at Findlay Hospital for the first radiologist in Findlay.  Her older brother and only sibling, Maurice R. (M.R. or Jump) introduced her to H. Laird McGregor, whom she married at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on November 3, 1951. A honeymoon by car followed to California so Laird could report for duty.

She returned to Findlay and kept busy with civic and church organizations until Laird returned from the Korean War.  Jo supported his business endeavors and community activities.

During the early lives of her children, Laurie and Andy, she was active in Twig 16, the first Twig established for young women, and held many leadership positions in Federation of Women’s Club, Panhellenic, Arts & Letters Club, and The Coterie. She was active in the YMCA and very involved with the swim team parents.

Camp Fire Girls was important to her. She was a group leader and influenced many young women from Bluebirds to Horizon Club.  She supported son Andy’s activities with Boy Scouts as well.

She had a particular love for the arts and was part of the group which established the first Findlay Arts Festival in the early 1980s.  She was a member of the President’s Council and planned events for FAMTAM-an affiliate of the Toledo Museum of Art.

Jo was a world traveler attending meetings and conventions as a result of Laird’s membership and board service in YPO (Young President’s Organization).  Summer conferences and international meetings fulfilled their love of travel.  Australia and Vienna were particular favorites.

Clear Lake, Indiana, became a favorite summer getaway in the yellow gingerbread house. Laird had a raspberry patch, tinkered in his garden, and she made raspberry jam. Tennis, boat rides, theme parties and many friends made for memorable times.

After Laird’s retirement, travel with friends took precedence. One memorable trip on the Orient Express took them to Russia when the Chernobyl disaster occurred.

After Laird’s stroke in 1987, there was no better advocate for his care. From Toledo, to Cincinnati, to a summer in Boston for speech therapy, and warm weather in Islamorada, Florida, seven years passed quickly. Laird passed away in July of 1994.

Jo continued her philanthropic efforts chairing the Bougainvillea Ball benefiting Mariners Hospital where Laird had received excellent care. She remained involved for 30+ years, working with designers and florists to make magic with each themed event, while raising millions for the hospital.

Her companion, Will Seward, continued Mom’s love of travel and cruises until he passed in 2007.

In 2008, she met Alexandru Ganus who was also traveling on one of her many cruises. They married in June that year and continued to travel. They split their time between Islamorada, Florida and Buckeye, Arizona.

She is survived by her husband, her daughter, Laurie McGregor Connor (Terry) and their children, Kim Conkey (Todd Clark) and her children, Brandon Conkey and Christopher Miller, Casey Connor, Andrew Connor (Erica Zurek) and Ryan Connor. Other surviving family members include niece Susan Horst and nephews, Michael Horst, Pete Butler, Bill Butler, Joel Jumper and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Laird, her brother Maurice, her son, Andrew, and an infant grandson, Jacob McGregor Connor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Delta Gamma Foundation for the Joanne Jumper McGregor Scholarship, 3250 Riverside Dr, Columbus OH  43221

https://donate.deltagamma.org/Joanne

or to the Baptist Health South Florida Foundation, PO Box 748853, Atlanta, GA 30374-8853

https://baptisthealthgiving.net/foundation/donatenow

Arrangements were entrusted to Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home in Findlay.

A private burial has occurred.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hancock Hotel, 631 South Main Street in Findlay, on Sunday, March 24 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.