Jo Becker Harsdorff

Josephine “Jo” Becker Harsdorff, the “Queen of Open Houses”, passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2021, was called to enter God’s “Open House” at the age of 89 years. Jo was born in Longview, TX, one of eight siblings to the late Marguerite Eustace Becker and Julius Becker. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Helen Becker Easley, Lorene Becker Stubbs, Billy Becker (Liz), Julius Becker, Tina Becker and her son Mark Harsdorff (Donna). Jo is survived by her sister, Eva Becker Sanders, brother Carl Becker (Nancy) her children, Lori Lorio (Fred) and Joey Harsdorff, grandchildren Billy Harsdorff, Frederick Gilbert, Heidi Bowers, Lainey Lorio, Grace Rodriquez , and great-grandchildren, Bri Shivers,Halle Bowers, Katlin Gilbert, Jo met the love of her life Fritz Harsdorff, at the Caller Times Newspaper in Corpus Christi, TX where she was a teletype setter and he a reporter. They got married on a lunch break and remained in love for over 69 years. They later moved to New Orleans and worked for the Times- Picayune. Fritz again as a reporter became an associate editor in later years and Jo a teletype setter. Jo left the Times Picayune and became a real-estate agent with Latter & Blum Realtors. You just didn’t buy a home from Jo, she became your family and her home became your home. She often became lifetime friends with her clients and made her home a place where everyone could gather, family, friends, and new acquaintances would visit for laughter and sharing of good times and bad. On Saturday mornings, a sign hung on her front door which read, “Come in the coffee is ready”. Her welcoming spirit united people of all interests, political and religious persuasions to meet as one, where nothing could divide them and helped them to find much that would unite them. In a world where people are so divided she was the “Great Unifier”. That was not her career but her calling. Words can’t describe Jo who lived her calling in her home at her coffee table, pouring warmth, love and unity. Jo had the real” Open House“. She is now receiving her commission from God who opened his house to her to share in the fullness of LOVE. Jo was a devoted wife, mother, sister, mother in law, sister-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin and friend. She will be missed, never forgotten and always loved.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend Jo’s Celebration of Life on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Westlawn Memorial Park 1225 Whitney Ave. Gretna, LA. In memoriam, contributions to Cita Dennis Hubbell Branch Library 725 Pelican Ave. New Orleans, LA 70114 are preferred. JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME 3827 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119 is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign guest book, visit www.schoenfh.com.

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