Mary Jo Reed

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy defined by her devotion to family, her lifelong passion for learning, and her unforgettable sense of humor. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Born on August 6, 1939, in Macedonia, Iowa, Mary Jo was the daughter of Maxine Elizabeth (Choulet) and James Henry Teele. Growing up as a Methodist minister's daughter—a proud "preacher’s kid"—her family moved to different parsonages every couple of years. Her early life was also marked by deep familial loss; her brother David passed away from pneumonia at just 18 months old, and her sister Susan passed away from cancer at the age of 32.

Mary Jo went on to graduate from the University of Iowa, earning her teaching degree and preparing her for a career that would become one of her greatest passions in life. She dedicated her professional life to teaching 9th and 10th-grade English, a role that defined her. She made a lasting impression on her students, inspiring many to stay in touch with her throughout their lives.

In 1957, Mary Jo married Robert Blough. Together they welcomed three daughters: Susan “Renee” (1958), Denise Lynn (1961), and Colette Elizabeth (1966). Mary Jo and Robert later parted ways. As a mother, Mary Jo’s boundless love and resilience shone brightly. As a young parent, she tenderly cared for her daughter, Denise, who was born with a heart defect. To her children, Mary Jo wasn't just a mother; she was their best friend throughout their lives, always deeply supportive of their choices. She was an incredibly giving person who wanted nothing but the absolute best for her children and grandchildren, eventually moving to Colorado in 2010 to spend her later years closer to them.

Mary Jo was an avid reader and an exceptionally talented crafter. She loved to spend her time knitting and cross-stitching. Her creative spirit culminated in a self-published book she co-authored with her daughter, Colette, titled Material Pleasures. The book beautifully honored her mother Maxine whose famous quilts from 1976 hung in the Smithsonian Institute. She also cherished the company of animals and loved taking her dogs for walks. Her last pet, a Jack Russell Terrier named Jenna, was loved "more than life". Above all, Mary Jo will be remembered for her great sense of humor. Near the end of her journey, as her filter faded, she kept her loved ones laughing by freely and fondly uttering her new favorite phrase: "What the f**k".

Her memory will be forever cherished by her surviving daughters, Renee Blough and Colette Blough, as well as her grandchildren, Katelyn Elizabeth Blough, John Steven Blough, and James Michael Blough, along with his wife Tessa Hayes, and their children, Mary Jo's great-grandsons, Danny & Noah. She will also be dearly missed by a particularly special student, Marci Stalkfleet, who treasured Mrs. Reed and called her Ma.

Mary Jo was welcomed into peace by her parents, James and Maxine; her siblings; and her daughter, Denise Lynn Blough, who preceded her in death in 1999.

Per her wishes, no services will be held at this time. In honor of Mary Jo's lifelong heart for children, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to a Children's Hospital of your choice.

Treasured memories of Mary Jo and words of condolence for her family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.