Birth date: Aug 25, 1937 Death date: Dec 10, 2019
Our much-loved Mary Jo Pellingra of Syracuse passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, December 10, 2019. Born in Rochester, NY on August 25, 1937 to Justin Pellingra and Mary (Tartaglia) Pellingra, Mary Jo graduated Convent School Read Obituary
Dear Jeanette and family....I am so very sorry for your loss. Though we had been expecting MJ's passing for several months that does not lessen the grief we surely share at this time.
Mary Jo and I met first at Convent School on Court St. where we sat across from each other on the first day of our sophomore year. That day we began a friendship that has lasted all these years. Tonight, looking at our yearbook, I note Mary Jo's picture reads that she always "reached her goals without fanfare"! Not surprisingly all these years later this still seems a fitting summation of MJ's life of compassionate giving of herself, time and treasure to all whose path crossed hers.. Her heart was always open to anyone in need and her friendship was genuine, warm and lasting.
For the past few years, since Den and I retired to Pennsylvania, Mary Jo and I have often exchanged cards and messages. .Since receiving, I have kept one particular card from her on my desk that reads: " A good friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have". As I look at it tonight, I am reminded of how blessed we have been all these years to share a friendship that seemingly only death could end. But I am also sure of this: while friends do die, friendships can be forever.
So, forever friend, I am comforted to know that your death was peaceful as you went from the arms of your beloved Jeanette to the arms of our dear Lord and Savior. May perpetual light shine always on you and may your family and friends be comforted by not only how peacefully you left us but how gracefully and selflessly you lived your life wihile on earth. God-speed dear friend!
I used to help Mary Jo set up her classroom yearly she would take Myself and my siblings places so as to give our Mother a break
She took us to see Grease when it came out
When the youngest of us was born
She took to him instantly
She became his Godmother
I remember being fascinated by the cakes she would create each year for his Birthday
I remember how she picked up on the animal
Lover in my older brother and how she would gift him with st Francis of Assisi medals and statues
I remember Mr Bojangles or Bo
The giant Dalmatian
Her granola way of eating
And the brownies she made us when we came in from playing in the snow
Her frosted hair and the way she tilted her head when she laughed or smiled
She radiated Genuine
The world is a better place
Having shared her light.
My Condolences to the family
Teresa Plaza
To Mary Jo's family My Deepest Sympathy. MJ and I go way back and have had many laughs and cries over the years. She came to our lunches and we all shared my memories of our Convent days. You suffer a lot now you can rest in peace. You are Safely Home til we meet again.Love Sharon
