She was born in Norwich on Aug. 31, 1939 to the late Louis and Rose (Longo) Berardi. She graduated from N.F.A. in 1957 and Becker Jr. College in 1959 as a Medical Secretary. She went on to work in that and other fields including at L & M Hospital, Beneficial Bank and others. She was a life-long resident of Norwich and very involved in her community. She was on the Italian Woman’s Society, Rose City Senor Center, and enjoyed ceramics, painting, needlework and was artistic with everything she did.
Mary Jo’s primary love and joy was her daughter Heather encouraging her, supporting her interests, and attending all of her recitals. That love expanded to Heather’s children as Mary Jo embraced being a grandmother. Still with love to spare, Mary Jo regularly had pets including rescues which she spoiled daily, especially her last rescue Jodi that she leaves behind. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She leaves her daughter Heather Arnold (Schlegel), grandchildren; Joshua, Katherine and Ian Schlegel, numerous cousins and friends.
All are invited to Calling Hours on Tuesday evening from 5pm-7pm at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11am at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 180 Elizabeth St., Norwich, CT meeting directly at the church. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Jo’s memory may be made to an animal shelter or pet rescue of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18