Saundra Jo Dormaier

Saundra “Jo” Dormaier, age 86, a lifetime resident of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, while attended by family at Rockwood Whitworth. She was born on December 3rd, 1938, to John and Bernadine Hodge.

Jo graduated from John Rogers High School in 1957, where she was the school’s Homecoming Queen, Vice-President of Girls’ League, Chairman of the Style Trends Committee, Sergeant at Arms of the Pirettes, Girls’ League Representative, Big Sister, Adviser’s Office Worker, and Officer of Homeroom 211B. She also represented the school as a “Bon-Teen” Fashion Representative, or live model, for the Bon Marche in downtown Spokane.

During her time at Rogers, Jo met and started dating the love of her life, Jerry Dormaier. Jo and Jerry celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in October 10, 2024.

A gifted ceramic artist, Jo enjoyed spending time in the pottery studio, which she shared with her husband, Jerry. Together, they crafted beautiful hand thrown bowls, vases and mugs, along with hand-built ceramic leaves. Family members and friends proudly display these much-coveted pieces, often bragging about being their best galleries.

Jo was also a highly skilled dress designer and seamstress. She created high school dance dresses, wedding dresses, school clothes, and doll clothes for herself, close friends, and family. Her sense of style and creative eye served those she loved as she aspired for everyone around her to feel and look their best.

For years, Jo made a series of angels around the holidays, either out of clay or fabric. These angels are now spread around the country in the homes of people she loved, and will forever bring great joy to those who received one.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, John Hodge and Bernadine Leibrecht, and her son, Eric. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry Dormaier and their loving daughters Polly Reichel (Rodney) and Jill Serbousek (Jon), her cherished granddaughters, Katlin Gamache (Lucas), Chelsea Haverkamp (Chad), Allison More (Mark), and Abby Jo Serbousek, her seven wonderful great-grandchildren Chase Davey, Parker Davey, Peyton Haverkamp, Julia Gamache, Robert More, Daniel More, and Jacob More, and her devoted siblings Robert Hodge (Doris) and Donna Jean Mindermann (Delvin).

Because of their wonderful service, the family wants to give a special expression of love and gratitude to the extraordinary staff at Rockwood Whitworth. The team lovingly cared for Saundra Jo and warmly embraced her entire family during her stay with them.

The family selected to conduct a private funeral at Holy Cross Cemetery, where Jo will be laid to rest next to her son. A Celebration of Life gathering will occur in early summer, where they hope to see many of her friends and family. Details will be communicated in the spring through the Spokesman Review.