Jo Ellen (Flaspohler) NITZAN

FLASPOHLER, NITZAN, GORMAN, SMITH, WEINBERG

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/18/2016 at 12:30:39

August 27, 1954 --- June 7, 2016

Jo Ellen Nitzan passed away peacefully on June 7 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jo Ellen was born in Belmond, Iowa on Aug. 27, 1954. Jo graduated from Monroe City High School in 1972 and went on to complete her degree in Child and Family Development at the University of Missouri. Following graduation Jo Ellen ran the Head Start center for one year, she then moved to the Head Start administrative office for nine counties in Missouri, supervising the special needs children.
In 1978 Jo Ellen packed up her bags and drove out to California with her brother, Mark Flaspohler, to escape the snow and finally settled down in the Los Angeles area. In 1984 she married Ayal Nitzan and they began their family in Culver City, California. In 1987 they were graced with the birth of daughter Nicole and in 1994 with the birth of daughter Renea.

Jo Ellen was the resource coordinator at New Horizons Computer Learning Center for the past 18 years and previously worked as the manager for Leather Bound. Jo Ellen was very devoted to her children, always first to step up to be team parent, class parent and was involved in Girl Scouts for over 20 years. She loved spending time with her family, traveling together, making friends everywhere she went, even in the checkout line and most of all she loved a good deal. Jo was the life of every party, always willing to lend a helping hand and give out wise words, and had a keen sense of direction that she was always willing to share.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 32 years Ayal Nitzan, daughters Nicole and Renae Nitzan, mother Haroldean Gorman, brother Mark Flaspohler (Rosalie), sister-in-law Hila Weinberg, an uncle William P. Smith Sr. and many nieces and nephews along with loving family and friends. Per Jo Ellen's wishes her ashes will be scattered at sea in a family ceremony.
A celebration of Jo's life will be held at noon at the Fellowship Hall of Grace United Methodist Church in Story City, Iowa on July 17. A celebration will also be held in Los Angeles at a later time. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Jo Ellen Nitzan to The Caring House in Torrance, California.

Lake Gazette -- Monroe City, Missouri
June 15, 2016