Jolene passed peacefully in her home on Friday, March 11, 2022 surrounded by family. Jo was born December 2, 1942 in Morley, Colorado to a large Italian Family and later moved to Denver in 1949 where Jo entered the 2 ^nd grade and began her connection to Jefferson County Public Schools. She graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1960. Jo attended Colorado Woman's College and earned a degree in Education. She directly began teaching for Jefferson County Schools launching a passionate career specifically with 6 ^th graders. She met Richard in 1980 and they married in 1987 and together shared their devotion to their faith and love for one another.

Jo often said how blessed she felt that there was never a day she did not want to go to work. Teaching for 35 years in Jeffco expanded into many passions including Outdoor Lab Cadre, mentoring other educators, and developing curriculum just to mention a few. After retiring from Jeffco, Jo extended her devotion to teaching to DARE America. She began a long, fulfilling experience teaching Law Enforcement Officers how to teach children!

Jolene's endless energy and devotion to God, family and teaching touched others with admiration and a great sense of security. Her empathetic manner and pragmatic humor touched many and will be remembered because "That's the way she rolled-Jolene's way". Her infectious personality endeared her to many of her students and fellow educators. Within the family, Jo shared the same matriarchal role as her mother after her passing. Although we have to say farewell for now to our wife, sister and Aunt, she will remain in all our hearts until we meet again.

Jo is survived by her husband Richard Granier, sister Laurie (Larry)Drefke, niece Ashley (Tyler) Sanchez, nephew Deon (Caley) Drefke of Denver.  Jolene treasured Richard's Louisiana family to include Jay Granier, Juanita Quaid, David (Ann) Granier, Janet (Jerry Bosa) and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Alice Mandril-Johnson and Joe S. Cassa.

Memorial Mass will be held Monday, March 21, 2022 11AM at Spirit of Christ Church 7400 W. 80th Ave., Arvada, CO 80003. Reception to follow.  Committal service Mt. Olivet Cemetery 12801 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 at 2PM. Memorials may be made to Spirit of Christ Church in her name.