Jo-Ann Nauta

Jo-Ann Nauta (née Harraka)

January 12, 1955 – March 20, 2025

Jo-Ann Nauta, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away in Wayne, NJ, on March 20, 2025, at the age of 70. She was a long-standing resident of Totowa, NJ.

Born in Paterson, NJ, on January 12, 1955, Jo-Ann was the daughter of the late George and Helen Harraka. She was a devoted mother to Dana Nauta and partner Travis Schmeisser of Brooklyn, NY, Ashlee Nauta, and a cherished Sitto to Bear Schmeisser-Nauta and Abigail Manzo.

Jo-Ann is survived by her loving siblings: Patricia Spinella and her husband Peter of Wayne, and Richard Harraka and his wife Maria of Little Falls. She was predeceased by her brother, George (Georgie) Harraka Jr. She was also a beloved aunt to Jeffrey, Keith, and his wife Cheryl, and Rachel, as well as a great-aunt to James and Jordan Spinella.  She is also lovingly remembered by extended family Jessica, Brendan and Matilda Nunn.

She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, love of crafts, Syrian food and watermelon motifs, her enjoyment of bingo and dominoes, and her passion for shopping for the latest fashions.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Jo-Ann’s memory are asked to consider one of the following charitable organizations:

National Ataxia Foundation

To accelerate the development of treatments and a cure while working to improve the lives of those living with Ataxia.

Women for Women

To create a world in which all women determine the course of their lives & reach their full potential.