Mary Jo Douglas was born in McKeesport, PA on October 5, 1948 to Joseph and Amelia Ferencak. Jo had one older brother Andrew, and a younger brother, Richard. At age four she lost her mother, and lived with family members until her father remarried.
Jo was married to Jim Douglas and lived in Lima, Ohio. They enjoyed gardening together, camping, and were known for hosting 4th of July parties in their backyard, complete with fireworks. She worked for the State of Ohio in a variety of roles for the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation for over 27 years. She took pride in facilitating people’s recoveries and in mentoring her team(s).
Following Jim’s death in 2003, Jo relocated to San Diego to be with close to her grandchildren. She worked in the office at Penasquitos Lutheran Church for several years and was active in volunteering for Vacation Bible School, Lunch Bunch, and the Older Kids (OK) Club, but nothing gave her greater joy than watching her grandchildren grow-up.
Jo battled a genetic disease called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency that slowly destroyed her lungs for over fifteen years, but it never diminished her spirit. Her family is profoundly grateful for the numerous friends that regularly stopped by to visit or call; wrapping her in God’s love and kindness.
Passionate, principled, and caring, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Jo is survived by her brothers Andrew, Richard, her daughter Christina, son-in-law, Andre, and grandchildren: Tyler, Kayla, and Kelly.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 30th at 11:00 AM at SIFERD-ORIANS FUNERAL HOME, 506 North Cable Road, Lima, Ohio 45805 with visitation one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will follow later in the day at East Cemetery in Cairo, Ohio at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions in Jo’s honor may be made to Alpha-1 Foundation through their website www.alpha1.org.
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