MaryJo Rutstein

MaryJo was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania on October 28th, 1942 to Mary Grillo Pallone and Dr. Joseph Pallone. She graduated from Monessen High School and then from California University of Pennsylvania in 1963 with dual degrees in both Special Education and Elementary through High School Education. She started teaching in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PA) area right out of college and then moved to Cleveland, Ohio (OH) in 1968 to continue teaching.

She met Harvey Rutstein soon after moving to Cleveland while they both were active members in the Hi Rise Ski Club. They were married on June 13th, 1970 at the Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh, PA. They enjoyed skiing with their friends all over the world and also traveling to new countries to learn the culture. Their eldest child Hope was born in Cleveland, and then Amy and Matthew were born during their six years in Chicago.

In 1982 Harvey was transferred to Houston, Texas (TX) and although it took MaryJo a couple of years to adjust to the heat and humidity, it did not take her long to make new, strong friendships while continuing to foster her friendships from PA, OH and IL. She even captured hearts in Centreville, VA while there for less than two years until they moved back to Houston, TX where she spent the remainder of her life.

She was involved in countless neighborhood associations, PTA’s, Temple and Community events and even had a home business of her own. Still, she always had time for her number one priority which was her family; not just her husband and children, but her extended family as well.

She will be remembered dearly by her family and friends for her many baking and cooking specialties; hosting parties; “cards with the girls”; being a friend to everyone; her kind heart; her strength; being the first to help friends, family and strangers alike; being a dedicated swim team and soccer mom; long conversations; and for always knowing just what to say.

MaryJo is survived by her husband, Harvey M. Rutstein of Conroe, TX, her three children: Hope Rutstein (David) Souders of Kingwood, TX, Amy Rutstein (Sally Olguin) of Richardson, TX and Matthew Joseph (Crisnna) Rutstein of Denver, CO and her seven grandchildren: Noah (22), Ty (20), Ethan (18), Logan (16), Jadyn (11), Madelyn (3) and Benjamin (1).

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 29, 2022 at 2pm at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S., The Woodlands, TX 77384 followed by a reception in the R.L. Wood Hall.