Joanne Wright

                                                                                            Joanne 'Jo' Wright 

                                                                            Founder of nonprofit PA PETS in Bloomsburg 

Joanne "Jo" Talley Hoopes Wright was born Aug. 15, 1937, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and passed away at home on Dec. 2, 2024, in Westtown, Pennsylvania. 

Jo graduated from Media High School in 1955 and Beaver College in 1959. After graduating from college,she married Dr. William Case Wright and spent most of her adult life in Bloomsburg. Her devotion to her family, her town of Bloomsburg, its residents and its animals was unmatched. 

Jo had quite an accomplished life. She was a Red Cross swimming instructor and served as president of the Bloomsburg Hospital Women's Auxiliary, raising fundsfor the local hospital. She worked as a Pennsylvania and Florida real estate agent. She passed the Series 7 later in life and worked for Olde Discount in Naples, Florida, for a short time. She volunteered at the Naples Humane Society for many years. In her mid-40s,she became a certified ski instructor and taught skiing in the Poconos. She played competitive golf and tennis for many years and in her 50’s rollerbladed 10 miles daily for exercise.

Jo had many ratings as a pilot, including single-engine, multi-engine, instrument, commercial, glider, seaplane, flight instructor and helicopter licenses. In 1969 she flew in a Women's Transcontinental Air Race called the Powder Puff Derby from San Diego to Washington, D.C. Upon completion, Jo and the other pilots had tea with First Lady Pat Nixon in the White House. Jo was also a member of the 99s(women's pilot group) and the Whirly Girls (women helicopter pilots). 

Recently, Jo wrote and published a book titled, "Rescue Me," which is now sold on Amazon. The book profiles the animal rescues she had been involved with and felt compelled to tell their stories. 

But, by far, the endeavor Jo was most proud of and passionate about was the nonprofit she founded in 1983 called PA PETS. In 1984, she purchased a small grocery store in Bloomsburg and converted it into a secondhand store. The store and the PA PETS group are run completely by volunteers. The group works very hard to fund a low-cost spay/neuter program for the area. To date, the organization has spayed or neutered more than 44,500 animals and they are still going strong. PA PETS programs benefit pets (dogs and cats), strays, barn cats and feral cats. 

Jo (also known as Mimi) is survived by son, Law Wright (daughter-in-law Susan); daughter, Lisa Wright Hummer (son-in-law Chip); son, Lee Wright; grandchildren: Shane Wright (wife Amy), Nicole Wright Stewart (husband Tom), Talley and Case Hummer; and great-grandchildren: Carlie and Chase Wright and Isabella Stewart. She is also survived by niece, Shelley Mueller; and sister-in-law, BobbiBonnett. 

There will be no service at thistime, at her request. There will be a future event to be announced in honor of her tireless efforts for the people and animals of Bloomsburg. 

If you feel it is appropriate, please help us continue Jo'slife passion for helping animals in need. PA PETS will always be grateful for any contribution, whether it be a donation or time spent volunteering. Donations can be sent to PA PETS, 203 E. Fifth St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815, or you can donate on the website, https://pennsylvaniapets.org