Mary Jo Johnson Barwind

Mary Jo Barwind passed away suddenly on Monday, June 9, in her home in Littleton, Colorado. She was predeceased by her husband and soulmate of 40 years, Jack Barwind, in May of last year. She is survived by her daughter Karie Jo, her son Kent, son-in-law Mo, daughter-in-law Monica, and grandchildren Allie, Ty, Justin and Elyssia.

Mary Jo was a theatre and communication professional. She starred-in, directed, and/or produced many notable shows such as Arsenic and Old Lace, The Glass Menagerie, Diamond Studs, Man of La Mancha, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Finian’s Rainbow. She taught drama, interpersonal communication, and public speaking courses at Ithaca College, Montana State University, Syracuse University, and finally at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, before retiring with her husband to Colorado to be closer to their family.

Throughout her life, Mary Jo was active in the Catholic church, working passionately to communicate God's love for all through liturgical interpretation and implementation of inclusive language.

While in Denver, Mary Jo and Jack took full advantage of much of what the area has to offer: from the Rockies games, to the concerts at Red Rocks, to the Broadmoor, to the Garden of the Gods, to the Buell Theatre, and - of course - to watching their grandchildren play baseball. soccer, swim, football and basketball. After Jack’s passing, Mary Jo continued to pursue these interests with her friends and family. The only thing Mary Jo left undone before she died was to publish the true story about ‘her little blue suitcase’ for the world to hear - something only a select few of us will now ever know.

Services will be held Tuesday, June 17, at 10:30 am at Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Parish, 6673 West Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks people who would like to, to contribute to Connifer's Stagedoor Theatre in Mary Jo's memory. http://www.stagedoortheatre.org/

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, Centennial, Colorado.