Jo Harris death: Husband Scott pays tribute to wife Jo after ovarian cancer battle

“She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her unwavering courage and as a loving wife and mother” — tributes are pouring in for a beloved Hobart woman and much-loved member of the JackJumpers family >>

Scott and Jo Harris at Acton Park. Picture: Chris Kidd

Jo Harris, the woman behind a new cancer research and wellness centre in Hobart, is being remembered for being brave, selfless and inspirational after she lost her battle early this morning.

Scott Harris was at his wife’s side when she died from ovarian cancer at the Gibson Ward at St John’s Hospital just before 2am on Sunday.

“She fought to the end,” Mr Harris said.

“She deteriorated very quickly. They thought we had three weeks but we ended up only having a week.

Jo Harris at an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Afternoon Tea in 2020. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“She was an inspiration and a totally selfless person who constantly thought of others.

“She was more worried about her boys, myself and the two boys (Luke and Sam) than about herself.”

Mr Harris said he been overwhelmed with messages of support and said a teal game played by the Tasmanian JackJumpers in January had raised awareness about ovarian cancer in the wider community.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff, State Health Commander Katherine Morgan- Wicks, Jo and Scott Harris, MacCallum Cancer Centre Director of Digital Healthcare Innovation Kate Burbury, Government Committe member Greg Woolley, UTAS Vice Chancellor Rufus Black at the Menzies Research Centre. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mrs Harris, 51, was a property consultant with Devine Property when she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in June 2019.

She had several rounds of chemotherapy, a radical hysterectomy and her spleen removed.

In November 2019 she was told she was in remission, but the cancer returned six months later.

The Tasmania JackJumpers shared a statement on their official website, saying they were “deeply saddened” by Mrs Harris’ death.

“As every member of the JackJumpers family would be aware, Jo was an ovarian cancer warrior, fighting for respite services for local Tasmanians with cancer. She was also the inspiration behind the SHE Foundation — the Club’s official charity partner.

“Jo’s story and fight has been nothing short of inspirational, her impact on our Organisation is profound and we are all privileged to have known her. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her unwavering courage and as a loving wife and mother.”

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth embraces Jo Harris, with husband Scott Harris at right.

The team expressed their condolences to Jo’s husband Scott and children Sam and Luke, and all of Jo’s extended family and many friends.

“The JackJumpers will continue to honour Jo’s fighting spirit, her kindness and selflessness, and keep the Harris family in our hearts and thoughts in everything that we do both on and off the court,” they said.

“The club’s annual Teal Game supporting S.H.E, will be held on February 17, 2024 and will undoubtedly be an incredibly special occasion for the entire Tasmanian community.

“Jo’s legacy will live on through S.H.E and through her wonderful family and her fight should never be in vain.

“The Tasmania JackJumpers will hold a number of initiatives to honour Jo’s life and legacy this week, and we encourage everyone in our community to find out more about the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers and donate at shegynaetas.org.au.

“Rest in Peace, Jo.”