Mary Jo Barda Scott

Mary Jo Scott Memoriam

Scott
Mary Jo Barda Scott (Age 81)

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Mary Jo Barda Scott

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Jo Barda Scott, who left this world on November 28, 2025, at the age of 81. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her will deeply feel her absence.

Mary Jo dedicated over three decades of her professional life to the Department of the Navy, where she excelled in the budget office of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and ultimately served as the Director of its budget division until her retirement on January 2, 2018.

Born on September 4, 1944, in Berwyn, Illinois, Mary Jo was the daughter of Lt. Col. James J. Barda and Libuse Sehnoutka Barda. Growing up in a military family, she experienced a life of travel before earning her degree in psychology from Carthage College in 1965. Shortly after graduation, she began her career with the U.S. Army in Frankfurt, Germany, where she met and married Thomas Scott. She eventually returned to live in the United States and settled in Northern Virginia.

Mary Jo is lovingly remembered by her three children: James G. Scott, Esq., CAPT John R. Scott, USN, and his spouse Esther, and Elizabeth S. Luther, and her spouse William C. Luther, Jr. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren-Kimberly, Lauren, Michael, and Thomas Scott, and Madeline, Reagan, and William C. Luther III-as well as her sister, Jeanne Grabowsky (née Barda), brother-in-law CAPT Theodore Grabowsky, USN (ret.), niece Eron Mary Grabowsky, nephew Theodore Grabowsky, and her former husband, Thomas H. Scott.

Mary Jo devoted her life to nurturing her three children, taking immense pride in their achievements. A passionate artist, she loved painting pastoral scenes in watercolor and was an active member of The Art League of Alexandria, where she cultivated lasting friendships.

A service to celebrate Mary Jo's life will be held in the Spring of 2026 at Mount Comfort Cemetery, located at 6600 S Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us in honoring her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Art League of Alexandria (https://www.theartleague.org/giving/donation).

May Mary Jo forever rest peacefully in the loving embrace of our heavenly Father.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Dec. 7 to Dec. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Jo Scott

13 Entries

John Carty

Yesterday

I worked with Mary Jo for many years and considered her a good friend. She left an indelible mark on an entire generation of financial managers at NAVSEA and the Navy is better for it. She was an absolute character and will be sorely missed.

Bill McGaffin

Yesterday

A friend for many years.

John Bednarek

Yesterday

Wonderful young lady

God rest her soul!

Sam Wennberg

Yesterday

Mary Jo was an amazing person who touched the lives of everyone she met at NAVSEA. With deepest condolences. Sam

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Tom Gough

Yesterday

MJ, I were my rock at work and a tremendous friend outside the office. I loved how you scared people when they came for resourcing when all you were doing was preparing them how to properly defend their programs and answer the hard questions from higher echelons going forward. I will forever miss you and your smile. You passion for art was so peaceful and beautiful. My deepest condolences to your extended family and you all will be in my prayers.

Steve Melsom

Yesterday

Beautiful person, wonderful friend and consummate professional. God bless you MJ and thank you.

Mary A.Craddock

December 8, 2025

I worked down the hall from Mary Jo, and when I passed by her office, she would always speak. No matter how many pieces of paper she had on her desk, she knew where everything was, and she knew her job. There was nothing she couldn´t do at NAVSEA, she was the Queen of information and may she rest in peace, job well done Mary Jo, job well done!

Suzanne Bethel

December 8, 2025

Mary Jo was a long-time beloved Art League member and a wonderfully talented artist who made many friends at our monthly artwork intakes. She will be greatly missed, and we send our condolences and warm wishes to her family.
-The Art League

Aletha Mills

December 8, 2025

I worked with MJ as we called her here at NAVSEA, for many years. She was a special lady and I learned a lot from her. May God help her family find peace and comfort in this very sad loss. Prayers to the family.