Mary Jo, a daughter of Charles Daniel Gavin and Eunice (Peterson) Gavin, was born 13 March 1937 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. When she was a freshman in high school she met Ronald Jackson who became the love of her life and her husband for more than 51 years. She died in her own home, surrounded by loving family – on Maundy Thursday – April 9th. Hospice Home-care was a vital support.
Mary Jo and Ron are the parents of Mark (Karen), Steven (Judy), Martha (Jon Burkhardt) and Rebecca (Nelson “Chip” Brown). They are the grandparents of Joshua, Ryan and Tracy Burkhardt, Gary and Shawn Jackson and Erin Swanson. They are also the great grandparents of Kaylynn Rose Burkhardt. Mary Jo also has a brother, Charles Gavin Jr. and two sisters: Ann Marie Meunier and Sue Karol Peterson.
Mary Jo has lived in Worcester, MA since 1988 – having lived other places and traveled extensively. She was proud to be a Registered Nurse and to serve as a hospice volunteer. She sang in church choirs and was an active member of the women’s P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). In addition to this, she was also an avid flower gardener and an exquisite seamstress with a special interest in quilting.
During her six-year cancer journey she was a grateful participant in a metastatic breast cancer support group at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden in Harvard, MA.
Mary Jo has donated her mortal remains to the Anatomical Gifts Program of UMass Medical School, which means that there will be no traditional funeral. A memorial Eucharist Celebration is scheduled at Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester at 11 AM on 18 April. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to honor her memory by a gift to your favorite humanitarian cause, if you wish to do so.
Nordgren Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements. To leave an on-line condolence in Mary Jo’s guestbook, please click on link below.