Jo Helen Bakula

Obituary Jo Helen (Usorac) Bakula Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on June 8, 2012, at the age of 80. Born in Dockton, Washington, Jo Helen moved to Tacoma at the age of four. She attended Sherman Elementary, Mason Jr. High, and Stadium High School ('49). After graduation, she worked as a secretary for Hunt & Mottet in downtown Tacoma. She met her future husband Michael Bakula on a blind date in 1955 while he was stationed at Madigan and they married on June 9, 1956. For 24 years, they owned and operated Failor Pharmacy together, where he was the pharmacist and she kept the books. Jo Helen loved life and had a wide range of interests, including the arts, dancing, bowling, reading, and going to the horse races. She had an appreciation for all genres of music and attended many concert events throughout the years. She enjoyed traveling, especially cruising and trips to Hawaii. Proud of her Croatian heritage, she realized her life-long dream of visiting Croatia in 2004. Throughout her life she made many dear friends, some dating back to her days at Sherman. She inspired us all daily and will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her passion for life, her strong faith, and her positive attitude. Jo Helen was a long-time member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, active in Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Blessed Mary of the Narrows #2003, and a past member of the Pierce County Pharmacists Association Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Julia Usorac, and her brothers, Anthony and John J. Usorac. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Michael, her three daughters, Julie Mehegan (Terry), Laurie Vitt (Tom) and Brenda Tanksley, and her five grandchildren, Jillian, Alexandra, Kelli, Daniel and David. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16, 2012, 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church. A reception will follow in the church social hall. Rosary will be recited Friday, June 15, 2012, 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel, with viewing beginning at noon. Private Interment at Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Holy Cross Catholic Church or Franciscan Hospice House.