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Mary Jo Nelson Obituary
Mary Jo (Joellyn) Donnelly Nelson passed peacefully on March 21, 2025 in St. Petersburg, FL.
Mary Jo was born on January 24, 1947 in Boone, Iowa to Dover and Mary Donnelly. Her earliest hero was her older brother, John, with whom she shared a very special and close relationship. Mary Jo attended the University of Iowa, and became a special education teacher. First grade was always her favorite, as Mary Jo felt you could change anyone's life by teaching them to read. In 1972, Mary Jo's life was forever altered when she moved to St. Petersburg. She immediately fell in love with the beautiful water, warm weather, and sunshine; she knew instantly that this was where she would spend the rest of her life, building her family.
She is survived by her sons, Christopher (Brooke) and Andrew (Su-jean). Most important to Mary Jo were her beloved grandchildren: Smith, Emmett, Colin and Annabel. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that her last moments were spent playing with her grandchildren and surrounded by the family to whom she had devoted her life.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or condolences, Mary Jo would have preferred that you hugged your loved ones closely and enjoyed time with your family.
Anderson-McQueen
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Jo Nelson
6 Entries
Julie McIntosh Klismith
April 13, 2025
Mary Jo was a beautiful gracious lady who will be missed by many.
I met her when she was in need of assistance. We discovered we had a common bond as we were both from the Des Moines, IA area. She had a set of coasters that said Beaverdale which was the area I was from. We had fun talks sharing memories. I really respected her, and she always treated me with great respect too. We talked lots about her family. Her sons were everything to her. She dearly loved her grandchildren. I enjoyed listening to her stories of them. She loved her beautiful Dahlmation. I would make us popcorn and we would watch TV chatting and sharing our popcorn with her beloved pet.
I share my Love and prayers with her family, and I celebrate the amazing life she lived. I wish you all nothing but the best always.
Sincerely,
Julie McIntosh Klismith HHA.
Gina larson
April 11, 2025
I enjoyed all of our wonderful talks. She was a shining light. I had the honor of doing her hair for over 30 yrs. She will be missed.
Burrell and Norma Wood
April 6, 2025
Mary Jo was a kind and lovely woman who raised two remarkable young men.
Marcia Smith
March 30, 2025
Mary Jo was a lovely and gracious lady. Always remembered her trays of Bloody Mary´s at the 4th of July
Regatta!
My prayers are with Chris, Andrew and their families.
Rich and Char Doyle
March 29, 2025
We´ll miss our special Arrowhead neighbor.
Stephanie Cox
March 29, 2025
Mary Jo was an amazing woman. She was beautiful, smart, kind, and a wonderful mom and grandparent.
Our family feels honored to have known her and has many cherished memories of fun days spent at the Nelson home with Mary Jo.
From the 4th of July Regatta to quiet moments watching 1980´s movies at the house, Mary Jo was always there as a neighborhood "mom".
We will miss her and are thinking of the Nelson family during this time.
With Love,
Steph, Kai, Rich, Char, Sean, and Susan
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