Joanna "Jo" Page

Joanna “Jo” Page, 96, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025 at Ashlar Village in Wallingford, CT. She was born in Ft. Wayne, IN to the late Anna Emiline (Bricker) Pillers and Thomas Burtin Pillers.

Jo was married to her beloved husband, Walter “Wally” Page, for 64 years. They were inseparable, sharing every part of life and raising their two children, Sally and Tom. Their grandchildren were a very important part of their life, and they traveled across the country at least twice a year to see them. They enjoyed countless adventures together and always found humor in life’s challenges.

Jo and Wally devoted much of their time advocating for individuals with developmental differences, particularly those on the autism spectrum. They founded ASCON (State Society for Autism) and championed several bills for legislation to protect and enrich the lives of autistic individuals. They initiated and worked together with other parents to establish Opportunity House, which provides group housing and day workshops for adults on the autism spectrum. Jo served as Executive Director for more than 20 years. It was her greatest achievement as it provided both a home and meaningful life for her son and other autistic adults. She lived a life defined by dedication to her family, her community, and those in need.

A graduate of Monroeville High School (1946) and Ball State University (1950), Jo taught in both Indiana and Connecticut. Over the course of her career, she worked with students from preschool through high school and taught a variety of subjects. She launched and coordinated home tutoring initiatives for children with special needs and also created and directed an overnight summer camp for children with developmental differences. In 1969, she and her family moved across country to Connecticut so she could teach at Benhaven School, a pioneering program for children on the autism spectrum. There she served as both a teacher and later the Home School Coordinator.

Jo loved gardening, baking, traveling, and performing in community theater productions. She loved to dance, sing and act. She and Wally also loved renovating their old (1700’s) home. She was an active and long-time member of First Church of Christ, Woodbridge, CT.  She will be remembered for her warm and friendly smile, her energy, and her lifelong commitment to helping others.

She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Page. She is survived by her daughter Sally Sherwood of Norman, OK; son Thomas Page of Hamden, CT; and three grandchildren – Andrew (Kayla) Sherwood of Richardson, TX; Susan Sherwood of Tulsa, OK; and Kyle Sherwood of Denver, CO. She was also a great-grandmother to Adelaide and William Sherwood.

A celebration of life will be held on September 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. in the Hartog Auditorium at Ashlar Village in Wallingford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Opportunity House (320 Old Hill Rd., Hamden, CT 06514). Condolences may be left with Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home.