I met Jodi and Dave as we traveled to China to adopt our children. I already had an older daughter (4 at the time) and Ava Mei was going to be their first. I still remember Jodi running into me in the hallway as we were headed to breakfast with my newest daughter strapped to my back and carrying my oldest on my hip. We were both worn out, but willing to do whatever it took to bond with our girls. A couple years later we met up at their home and my daughter, Ellie, started asking me to do her hair like "Mei Mei's hair". While we haven't met in years, I have enjoyed keeping in touch via Facebook and receiving their St Patrick's day card every year.  Sending love to Dave!

Wow. This news breaks my heart. Jodi was one of the most memorable people I encountered in my years at Oak Grove Elementary. She was so kind and so smiley, so warm and so welcoming. I was a new teacher and so unsure of myself, and she made me feel capable and included. What a great cheerleader. I don't think she had any idea how much I looked up to her. I know she will be missed by so many. Prayers to her family. 

I met Jodi for the first time at Dave and my company Christmas party. She was the sweetest person I had met that whole night and loved her to pieces! Then when she brought Ava Mei to the office for the first time and I saw how happy she looked, it made my heart melt! Even though we met only a few times, I felt like we were besties! 

You will thoroughly be missed by many as I know you have made such an impression on them as you did on me!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love, Isabel

Jodi!

From the first day I walked into OGE, as a 22-year old, fresh out of college kid with no clue, you were an inspiration! Your energy and enthusiasm drove me as a teacher and inspired me in my first few pivotal years as an educator. I loved watching the connections you made with your students and the way you made your colleagues feel. I am forever grateful for the friendship we formed before you left OBE to raise your sweet babies! I loved our out of school outings and our in school talks. You are a gift to this world and even though I moved back to Florida and you moved on to different schools, you will have forever made an impact on me!

Christy Gray

Dear sweet Jodi,

I don't remember if I met you or sweet Ava Mei first, but it was somewhere at the Fields Club pool. You and Jordan were our fearless, dynamic duo, taking care of all the minutiae that is a part of summer league management. You were awesome in all respects: encouraging, approachable, funny, selfless, and so energetic. There were many instances when I would look up from a conversation with a fellow parent and realize I had missed another race. In that same glance, I would see you, holding the rolled heat sheet, cheering on not only my swimmer(s) but also the others. Whew!

On one of the hot, steamy days on deck, we talked about our twins. Bob and Henry were adorable in their stroller while mine were the swim team groupies, never seeming to leave the pool and you alone. You have always been a much calmer twin mom than I! As a team manager, you mentored Eliza and then trusted both our older daughters to babysit for Ava Mei, Bob, and Henry.

Another fond memory I have is when you and Jordan coordinated a parent swim relay against the Fields and Jones Bridge clubs. After convincing me to swim breast stroke in one of the relays, my relentless twins made me practice my relay dives at the Amberfield pool. While my team didn't win, I so appreciated that effort to bring humor and parents into summer league. I still have my swim cap!

Jodi, you are an incredible mom and light for us all. Throughout the years, I would see Ava Mei at summer league, piano recitals, even Dynamo and she would always greet me with a hug and, as she became older, "Hi, Mrs. Antonowich." What a wonderful daughter you and Dave are raising. I suspect Bob and Henry are cut from the same cloth with regards to their demeanor and manners.

Jodi, God put you on this Earth for so, so many reasons and we are all blessed to have you and your family in our lives. We are praying for continued faith, peace, and strength for you and your family. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Love, Andrea, Michael, Alena, Eliza, Katheryn, and Lauren

Jodi,

I thank you for the guidance you provided for Alice & Frank. You seemed to have a special place in your heart for Frank, and he felt that connection when he was in your class. I will always be grateful for you seeking me out to discuss high school class selection for Alice. That small gesture made a tremendous impact in her high school career. I'm not sure if we would have chosen that path if it wasn't for you and it meant so incredibly much! I am grateful for your place in the life of my children.

Erin Griffin

Mrs. McMahon,

I remember and loved getting to start most of my Tuesday mornings with you in 6th grade Bible study. You were always so kind and uplifting to us and inspired us to be the best version of ourselves there. One of my favorite things about you is your thoughtful and energetic personality. When I had you as a teacher, you were always so enthusiastic, bubbly, and encouraging when you were teaching us and leading us for house meetings and other Ararat things. I want you to know that my family and I are praying for you and your family, and that Jesus is never leaving your side.

Charlotte Coates

Dear Jodi,

I think we met after I agreed to do the IronGirl triathlon (thanks to inspiration from our friend Sonia Lee). I was completely out of my comfort zone and in awe of all your athletic endeavors. But what I really remember was that you made Friday morning boot camp more joyful, you encouraged me and others, and you loved your mom gig - you would still be smiling while chasing your boys around after YMCA childcare pick up:)

A few years later, we felt like we won the lottery when you came in to recuse Carson's 3rd grade class at Simpson. They transformed from unorganized and struggling to happy, motivated learners. You took the time to proactively meet with us and offer creative ways to help him succeed. I look back now and realize what a critical year that was in his development - it set the stage for many other positive outcomes in his life. I can't thank you enough for caring about my boy. Plus, I loved watching you in your element. You are such a gifted teacher - so evident in these posts from parents and former students.

Thank you for being a blessing and a light in our community for many years. You make this world a better place. I'm incredibly grateful to know you and I'm praying for you, friend!

Love,
Tracey Shell

Jodi ,

You were the first friend I met in the neighborhood when we moved in. You were walking tiny Ava Mai, and I was pushing the twins in a wagon on the uneven sidewalk not knowing where I was going in this new large development. Right away we had a connection- you were a twin, my sisters were identical twins, I had identical twins and at that time you had just learned of the opportunity to get the boys!

Down the road we always had friendly visits and even shared our delightful nanny Lillian Charles who you turned into your first Stella and Dot rep!! We struck gold with her for sure!! You always had a funny story (I'll always check my shower and bathroom for snakes now!) or a sweet compliment about my kids or funny exchanges about how busy boys are. Your St. Patty's Day card was always so darling seeing the kids sweet faces! I looked forward to it every March! Most of all you were always an inspiration-working and mentoring your students, raising three wonderful kids, p90x and running, and doing it all with a smile! I often had to wonder where you found the energy. 

You have a beautiful smile to match your beautiful soul, wonderful neighbor and friend. Your always in our hearts! 
Holding you and your family in prayer.

Saved in Camryn's keepsake box is a treasure she brought home from Mrs. McMahon's 3rd grade class many years ago. A word collage assembled with adjectives her classmates used to describe her. As a mom, it filled my heart seeing that Cam's friends saw many of the same characteristics that we know and love in her. We are forever thankful for the lesson of celebrating what makes a person unique that Camryn learned that year with you, Jodi, and we can't wait for the grown woman she becomes to look at that beautiful collage and remember her 8 year old self in your class. The words in it stand just as true for her today, as they did back then, and I couldn't love that more! You and your family are in our constant prayers for comfort and peace. Sending much love to all of you.

Megan Skurski