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Mary Jo Moore (Ostermeier), of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on August 24,
2023, after a short battle with cancer. She was 69 years old. Mary Jo was born on July 1, 1954, to Anna Marie and Andrew Joseph Ostermeier in Montebello, California. She was the youngest of four sisters.
Mary Jo was a graduate of California High School, class of 1972. It was where she would meet her future husband—Chester Henderson Moore III (Chet). She went on to get her associate’s degree at Rio Hondo College and completed her B.A. in communications at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. Her graduation marked a milestone for the family, as Mary Jo was the first to receive a college degree.
Chet and Mary Jo married on March 18, 1978. In total, the couple was together for 50 years. They absolutely loved to travel all over the world. Upon her death, Mary Jo had visited a grand total of 55 countries and territories. Together, they sailed four oceans and saw 6 continents.
Mary Jo was a hard worker and immensely creative. You could often find her assisting her two daughters, Natalie and Leanne, with school projects. She was a master seamstress who frequently sewed the girls’ Halloween outfits and theater costumes for Wesleyan School. Some of those garments are still used in the school’s productions to this day. Mary Jo also loved to scrapbook, where she heavily documented her travels, children’s lives, and family history.
Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband, Chet; her two daughters and their spouses, Natalie (Colby) Jackson and Leanne (Jon) Finn; her granddaughter, Kendall; her two sisters, Susan (Ted) Haracz and Nancy Adams; her nieces, Nancy Beth Larson and Debra Walters; her sister-in-law, Tolosa Boxx, and numerous other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janice Larson.
Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Georgia Cremation in Duluth, GA is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tolosa Boxx says
Sending my love and support. She had a good,( but too short), life.
Joe Dankert says
We love yiur family
Trent Benedetti says
You and your family hold a special place in our heart. May God grant Mary Jo eternal rest. May the Moore family be granted peace in this trying time.
Nancy Larson says
I’m extremely saddened by this. I know things have been different over the years, but I do understand the pain a loss like this brings. It’s a very difficult time time of life to lose a mother and I cannot imagine what this means for your entire family.
Judi & Ray says
We cannot imagine a more wonderful, kind and loving soul. We have been blessed to know her and family. She will be missed.
John Ricker and Bernadette Zavala says
We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Mary Jo’s passing. Our thoughts and love are with Chet and your daughters. Through the wonderful holiday newsletter that we so looked forward to each year, we feel as if we have continued to know your family. John still fondly remembers the high school years. May the beautiful memories of your long and wonderful life together provide you with comfort as you navigate the days ahead. So very, very sorry for your loss.
Frank Zipp says
Chet we were shocked and saddened to hear this news. We will have you in our prayers during this rough time.
Scott Peeples says
Chet, praying for you and your family. So sorry to hear this news. God bless you all during this time.
Janet Hawkins says
Dear Chet, Natalie and Leanne and family
We are so saddened by the loss of sweet and beautiful Mary Jo. May God shine His Grace on you as you grieve her passing🙏🙏💗💗
Janet John Molly and Madeline & family
Karen Eimoto says
Hi Chet…I am so saddened to hear about Mary Jo’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories being with the two of you. It’s so hard to lose your soulmate but I know you are surrounded by love from family and friends. Sending you my condolences from many miles away but know that my heart is there with you and your girls.
Russ Grohs says
So sad to hear. Mary Jo was my friend.
Heart-felt condolences Chet.
Robert Goulet says
Chet,
So very sorry to hear about Mary Jo’s passing. Such a loss for you, your family, and all that knew her.
Thinking of you and your family. Take care old friend.
Lorraine Brown-Spooner says
Chet, This is such sad news. I’m so sorry…Mary Jo and I had just spoken at the Cal-Hi reunion weekend last October. She shared about your granddaughter, Kendall. And, how excited she was to be a grandmother. My best high school memories with Mary Jo are our Hi-Jinx performances. We really got to know each other during that time. She also lived a very full life. I wish you and your family many happy memories as you reminisce. God bless you, your girls & your family.