Joan "Jo Somers" Campbell

Joan (Soracchi) Campbell, 94, known professionally as Jo Somers, passed away peacefully on October 7th, 2026, with her family at her side. She was born January 27, 1932, in Queens, NY, to the late Louis Joseph and Mary (Orlandazzi) Soracchi.

Jo grew up on a farm in Columbia, CT. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and then Windham High School, where she was captain of the cheerleading team. Jo earned a scholarship to New England School of Art, where she studied fashion illustration.

After completing her studies, she initially worked in Boston’s garment district as a stylist. Ultimately, Jo found her passion in the glamorous world of modeling. From 1953 to 1969, she was a top model in print, television, and on the runway. She went on to found Copley Seven Models & Talent which she ran for nearly 50 years, working with Boston's elite designers including Alfred Fiandaca, Daniel Faucher, and Denise Hajjar. Jo became a faculty member at the School of Fashion Design (SFD), where she taught. She was a longtime member of the SFD Board of Trustees, as well as a board member of Bay State College. Throughout her career, she was a mentor and champion for her students and models. Many knew her as the Silver Fox, a gregarious and entrepreneurial woman who broke barriers, was a leader, and a fashion icon.

Jo was the first woman president of the Advertising Club of Boston and a past president of the Boston Chapter of Fashion Group International. Jo was a recipient of the 2002 Vision Leader Award, the 2010 Bay State College Award of Merit, and the School of Fashion Design 2014 Isobel S. Sinesi Lifetime Achievement in Fashion.

Jo was a founding and active member of the Bay Village Neighborhood Association and contributed for decades to the flourishing and betterment of her neighborhood. Throughout her life, she had a love for poodles and took the best care of Charlie, JP, Gino, and Gucci. She always had a poodle by her side - at her desk, walking in the neighborhood, or at family holidays.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, sister, Dolores T. Soracchi, and brother, Louis John Soracchi. Jo is survived by niece Margaret Morrison (Tyler), nephew James Soracchi (Sang Won), great-nieces Annika and Tessa Morrison, great-nephews Finn Morrison, Alexander and Ian Soracchi, and sister-in-law Anne Soracchi.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Jo's friends from Bay Village, who were her chosen family, and made it possible for her to live in her home for many additional years. Jo's legacy will forever be woven in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.

A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Please consider toasting Jo with a dry vodka martini or a black hot coffee. Alternatively, donations may be made in her memory to: School of Fashion Design, 31 St. James Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02116. Please indicate the Jo Somers Bay Village Scholarship in the memo.