Jo Ann Stengel passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, after a brief two-week illness.

She was born in Akron, Ohio on August 21, 1939.  She spent most of her youth in Chatham, NJ where she attended public schools. She was an honor student, cheerleader, and a good athlete. She met her future husband in 6th grade. She attended Douglass (Rutgers) College and graduated in 1961 with a double-major in home economics and teaching. She taught in several secondary schools before becoming a Navy wife.

She moved to Newport, RI, in 1970 following her husband's graduation from Dental School in Philadelphia. She was the President of the Swinburne School of Household Arts and President of the Newport Garden Club where she became a national horticulture judge.

At the age of 39, she went back to school and became an RN and subsequently worked as a pediatric nurse for 15 years. In her early 60s, she went back to school once again and became a nurse practitioner and worked until she retired at age 86.

She was an avid tennis player, golfer, skier, and sailor. She was an accomplished artist, cook, musician, and seamstress. She was a wonderful mother and wife.

She is survived by her beloved husband Dr. Richard (Dick) Stengel, her son Dr. Charles Stengel, her daughter Suzanne (Missy) Bohn, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown, RI.