Dr. Josepha (Jo) M. Craenen passed away from lung cancer, surrounded by family and sustained by her faith (please don’t smoke), Monday, September 25, 2017 to join her many friends, human and canine.  She was born in Mechelen, Belgium, to Rosa and Alphonse E. Craenen December 26, 1934.  Her medical education began at the Catholic University of Leuven.  Her great love for children led her into pediatric training and finally a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at the University at Buffalo.

 Her 45-year career at the Columbus (now, Nationwide) Children’s’ Hospital began in 1963.  She remained there her entire career, first in Pediatric Cardiology and later as an Intensivist with the Intensive Care division.  She was often recognized for her excellence in both patient care and teaching as she worked with many students, residents and young staff members.  Her kindness and dedication was legendary -  always giving and reluctantly receiving.  She was always there, never too tired to help someone. Her “kids” always came first.

She was equally devoted to family and friends. Her cooking was famous as she brought treats to work, to the veterinary office staff, neighbors and anyone else she needed to treat. After retiring she enjoyed her dogs and home, traveling to faraway places such as Antarctica, Alaska, Manitoba to see polar bears, and many other adventures both local and away.  She was often in West Virginia with her long-time friends and is as well-loved in Morgantown as here.

Jo was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her brothers Jan (Lieve), Hugo (Inge) and Guido (Bernadette) and her sister Godelieve Craenen, all residing in Belgium.  She has many devoted nieces and nephews.  Her nephew Geert Craenen and his wife JaNa’ live in Texas and he has been a son to her.  Her longtime friend, Ellen Hrabovsky, from Morgantown, WV, has been with her through thick and thin, fun and not for over 40 years. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the St. Thomas More Newman Center. where friends may call from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday. Burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations to the OSU Newman Center at 64 W Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201 or Hospice of Central Ohio, P.O. Box 430, Newark, Ohio, 43058 are appreciated.

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