Jo Anne (nee Becker) Connor

91, pianist and organist, music educator, Sonoma Art Treasure and Musical Minister Emeritus, died unexpectedly in Sonoma, CA on January 2, 2015.|

91, pianist and organist, music educator, Sonoma Art Treasure and Musical Minister Emeritus, died unexpectedly in Sonoma, CA on January 2, 2015.

Jo Anne was born on July 1, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa to Elizabeth “Effie” Becker (nee Nutt) and Jonas P. Becker. She was an only child. She graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois with a Bachelor degree in Music in 1945. Soon after she married Pat Connor, a chemical engineer (not to mention baritone) and moved to Arcadia, CA, then to Fullerton, CA in the early 1950’s. They welcomed three children to their home over the next 10 years (1947-1957); Charles Patrick “Rick”, Karen Lee, and Michael Richard. Jo Anne instilled a love of music and the arts from an early age as a devoted and talented mother. She was the accompanist (1950-1960) for the L.A. Masterworks Chorale and the Jester Hairston Chorale (UN Ambassador of Peace through Music and the author of “Amen” from the film “Lilies in the Field”). She was the head staff accompanist for the Music Department of California State University Fullerton (1960-1970) where she shepherded a generation of students through their graduation recitals. In 1970, the family moved to Raleigh, NC, to pursue career opportunities for Pat. Jo Anne accompanied the N.C. Oratorio Society, then to Woodbridge, VA, where she accompanied the Ron Freeman Chorale, and on to Austin, TX, before finally settling in California’s beautiful Valley of the Moon in 1984 to “retire”. However, over the next 30 years Sonoma provided a rich atmosphere for Jo Anne’s musical renaissance. She became the Musical Director of the First Congregational Church, the founder and Musical Director of the Vintage House Singers, and Accompanist of the Sonoma Valley Chorale. She also accompanied her daughter, Karen, a mezzo-soprano singer, in many concerts and recitals. In 1991, her beloved Pat passed away. After several years she began a relationship with her long-time friend, Jim Metzger, (past Alcalde of Sonoma). Both widowed, they soon married and honeymooned abroad on the Sonoma Valley Chorale European trip. Their love story became a favorite Sonoma romantic fable until Jim’s death at age 100 in 2008. Into her 9th decade she continued her musical virtuosity and rigorous schedule through December 2014. She really enjoyed the final tributes, standing ovations, awards, accolades, flowers and appreciation at every performance. She loved her Sonoma community, and her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. All who knew her have been enriched by her love of music.

Jo Anne was an accomplished accompanist and soloist on piano and organ, as well as a music teacher and performer who was known for music filled with lyrical passion and technical depth. She loved classical, popular, and spiritual music ranging from Brahms (her favorite!) to Debussy, Gershwin, Mercer and beloved hymns.

The family would like to thank Nancy Taylor, Sondra Cooper, Russ and Peggy Bair, Sharry Simpson, David Irvine, Sheila Whitney, Terry Jensen, Jim Berry and Kay Adams, among the many wonderful members of Jo Anne’s community of friends, students and colleagues for their assistance and love.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Richard “Pat” Connor (1917-1991), her daughter, Karen Lee Connor (1950-2004), and her second husband, James Metzger (1907-2008). Jo Anne is survived by her two sons; Rick and Michael, four grandchildren; Carolee Ramich, Samantha Hill, Sean Connor and Caitlin Connor and one great-grandson; Jameson Connor.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday January 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Burlingame Hall of the Congregational Church on 252 W. Spain St., Sonoma with a reception to follow. Rev. Nancy Taylor, will lead the memorial ceremony and many musicians will offer their talents to celebrate Jo Anne’s life. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sonoma Valley Chorale, P.O. Box 816, Sonoma, CA 95476 or the Vintage House, 264 1st St. East, Sonoma, CA 95476.

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.