WORDS FROM MARY JO FOR MARY JO

I thought I would share the words of Mary Jo Jordan. She's pictured at the left with her husband Fred, and two sons. My sister is my mothers' namesake. This is the eulogy she gave at the service for my mother. Mary Jo Walter passed away at the age of 92.

Mary Jo Jordan: "Mary Jo Malone Walter was always full of the joys of life. These joys came as gifts from the heart. Her children received these gifts from her ability to role model that what was right.

A sympathetic nod let us know that she cared when we struggled with illness or injury. Empathy was the lesson learned.

Thoughtfulness came across each Christmas and birthday.
It is better to Give than receive was the lesson learned.

She continued to hope when times were difficult as her spouse was dying.
The lesson learned was courage.

Games were played day after day even though she settled many a dispute. And the lesson learned was cooperation.

She stood loyal to each of us in good times and bad.
And the lesson learned was unconditional love.

She spoke of the value of learning daily.
And the lesson learned was education is that which lifts one's spirit from oppression.

She endured decades of music some dear to ear and some not.
And the lesson learned was each of us must find our own identity.

Her outgoing personality endeared herself to all that knew her. Never denying the person she was from within.
And the lesson learned God created us to be unique.

My mother's radiating charm and happiness always impressed others.
And the lesson learned is self respect.

She often brought back memories of yesterdays.
And the lesson learned to be proud of your culture.

Serving people and nations everywhere starts with serving somebody somewhere.
And the lesson learned security comes from knowing there are those we can depend on, but in the end knowing others may depend on us as well.

Mary Jo made sure we knew that the divine light within and around us leads on the path on good. And the Lesson learned Guidance. That guidance now leads us to know that the fullness of a tranquil life is granted to those whose hearts have been guided by a generous and loving mother.

Thank you MOM from: Ann, Janet, Fritz, Larry, Kathy, Michael, Patty and your name sake Mary Jo."

My sister Mary Jo and my sister Patty know a lot about lessons. They are both educators. I also taught for a time at the University of Maryland. It's in our genes. My mom was a teacher. For relatives and friends reading this, you'll be happy to know that the family has decided to create the Mary Jo Malone Walter Memorial Scholarship fund in her honor at the Humphrey Nebraska School District. Tax deductible donations (certified 501 (c) 3 can be sent to the Family Foundation Incorporated at 26893 Bouquet Canyon Road Ste. C 332, Saugus, Ca 91350.