Mary Jo Dahlberg

Mary Jo grew up on the family farm and attended school in Santa Anna, TX. She graduated from school there. Not to be held back by the norms of that time, she convinced her father to let her go to school for certification with Western Union. He knew she was determined, and so the small-town girl, boarded a train and went up north. There she obtained a room in a boarding house and proceeded to learn her craft. When she completed her training, she was sent to New Mexico to work in the Western Union office. Because she knew how to repair a telegraph machine, she was later transferred to run the office in Brady, Tx.

It was there that she met a handsome young bank employee. Before long she became the bride of Lawrence "Larry" Dahlberg. The two made their home in Brady, and in the next few years welcomed a daughter, Marsha and a son Richard. In time the family relocated to Corpus Christi before finally settling down in Austin in 1965. Shortly afterwards, Jo secured a job with Gem Fabrics where she worked as a very efficient bookkeeper. She was a trusted and treasured employee there until her retirement. Through all of this she raised her two children, while running her home with a soft hand and lots of love. She was known to keep an immaculate yet warm house. Any visitor felt welcomed and was well fed as she had a magic touch in the kitchen. Her family knew that no one ever baked a more perfect cookie or dished out a more delicious batch of divinity. She was also an accomplished seamstress.

Her starring role was as a loving and nurturing Mother, a role she perfected before she welcomed grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In her retirement she enjoyed gardening, reading and spending time with Larry and her family.

After Larry passed in 2002, Jo sold her home and relocated to San Antonio to be close to her beloved daughter, Marsha and son in law Steve. She was fiercely independent and conquered hip and knee replacements like a champ. Her spirit stayed strong and cheerful despite the obstacles of aging. With grace she handled each transition that presented itself.

Although we will miss her, it is comforting to know she is with God and is celebrating with Larry and all those she loved and lived for.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence "Larry" Dahlberg; Parents Milford Harris and Mary Blanche McSwain Harris; Sister Marie Burcham; Brothers: Eugene Harris and Bill Jack Harris; Son in law Stephen Russell; Grandson Alan P Long; Granddaughter Amanda Sanson Dahlberg; and Great Granddaughter Hadley Grace Dahlberg.

She is survived by: her daughter Marsha Russell, San Antonio Tx; son Richard Dahlberg (Brenda), Plano Tx; Sister: Lois McNeil, El Paso Tx; Sister-in-law Lorraine Harris, Plano Tx; Grandchildren: Ian Dahlberg, Garland Tx, Eric Dahlberg, Dallas Tx, Adam Dahlberg, Plano Tx and Kathy Russell Long, San Antonio Tx; Great grandchildren: Ashley Long-Anguiano (Mark) San Antonio Tx, Kelsey Sioco (Justin) San Antonio TX, Presley Dahlberg, Dallas Tx and Briley Dahlberg, Dallas Tx; Great Great grandchildren: Sofia Anguiano and Alan J Anguiano; 2 nephews and 3 nieces.