Mary Jo Nesser

With great sorrow, we announce the death of Mary Jo Nesser, 75, of Yorktown, Virginia. She passed away at 5:18 AM on March 8th at the hospital, surrounded by loved ones, after an arduous battle with cancer. Mary Jo was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She was born on February 27th, 1949, and spent her younger years in Boston, Massachusetts. When she was a preteen, she moved to Florida, where she eventually met her husband. She pursued a degree in Elementary Education but ultimately chose to focus on raising her four children. Family meant everything to Mary Jo, and her commitment colored her every word and action. As a mother, Mary Jo was actively involved in school functions and church events. She volunteered at the library, taught Sunday School, and was the first to offer help if anyone expressed need. Mary Jo lived by example her whole life, demonstrating the values of stewardship and sacrifice. She was a gem among women. Following the onset of increasing health issues as she aged, Mary Jo and her husband moved to the Tidewater area of Virginia in order to be closer to three of their grown children.
More than anything, Mary Jo loved to read. She could usually be found with a book (or in later years, her Kindle). Additionally, she enjoyed sewing, home decorating, cooking, and baking. Her special recipes were always admired and asked about at community events throughout the years. Mary Jo also loved animals, particularly cats, and she was as wonderful a cat-mom as she was a human-mom. In later years, Mary Jo’s favorite thing to do was spend time with and spoil her beloved grandchildren. Her primary focus was always on nurturing deep connections with family.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Gary Nesser; children, Michael and his wife Catrina, Kristi and her husband Matt, Kyle and his wife Jenny, and Kara; siblings, Danny and Beth; and grandchildren, Molly, Lucy, Samuel, Brian, Jacob, and Jeffrey. Mary Jo’s family and friends have all been blessed to experience her kind and gentle nature, her generous and helpful spirit, and her warm and loving heart. Her light has touched the lives of so many, and she will be sorely missed.
A mass service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 16th, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Yorktown, Virginia, followed by a reception to honor and celebrate Mary Jo’s life.