October 10, 1934 – June 22, 2024    

Mary Jo was born to Leigh (Levi) and Barbara Johnson in Superior, Wisconsin and was the second of four children, with an older brother Leigh and two younger sisters, Karen Couden and Christine Cogswell. 

She is survived by her two sisters and her husband Donald (Don) of almost 69 years, her children: Andrea Grimm (Michael Flynn) and granddaughter, Lisa Nicole “Niki” Flynn, Lauren Grimm (Frank Helina) and grandson Ryan Gisler and great grandsons Garon and Finton “Tony”, granddaughter Kara Caughell (Rick) and great grandchildren, Kimber and Ethan, Mark Grimm (Annalise Black) and Matt Grimm (Sue) and grandsons Tom (Eve) and soon to arrive, Baby G, Jameson John “JJ” Grimm (Shea Lohstraeter) and Ben Grimm (Micaela), and many nieces, nephews and grands, cousins and even more beloved. 

Mary Jo, MJ, Mama2 will be remembered for her love of family and community and her adventurous spirit, meeting new people and exploring new places. MJ earliest memories were of visits with her aunts and family during the summer months on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin and later with her young family. Growing into her teenage years where she was bold, liked the shock value of befriending a snake, embraced competitive diving, the constant joy of dance and the glamour of being a model. She worked hard and played hard and upon graduation was ready to work alongside her father as a dental hygienist. 

Chicago beckoned offering wider options and a chance to explore big city lights. Yet her love of family and a flame for Don drew her back to Peoria where she took on administrative roles as they continued to date. Don, having finished University and his service in the US Army, also returned to Peoria and soon after, on July 23, 1955 they declared their “love was here to stay” and began their grand life adventures together. 

Children arrived in fast and furious fashion, and within 6 years MJ’s arms were fully stretched around her four, singing them all lullabies and the happy or romantic tunes we still hold in our heads and hearts today. 

In June of 1964, Don was transferred to Calgary by Caterpillar to oversee Western Canada dealership relations. Canada presented an interesting opportunity to expand world insights and views, yet Mary Jo held tight to family ties and pride in her American roots returning often and staying close to family and the order of the day. As much as the US was in her heart, life continued to unfold in Canada as Don was invited to join R. Angus, one of Caterpillar’s largest dealerships. The family moved on to Edmonton in July of 1969. 

She pursued motherhood to its fullest, offering an open heart, the safety of a welcoming home and listening ears. Her fun loving, dancing nature, and her open-door policy welcomed neighbours and friends with a ready offer of tea, milk, cookies, chips, and often dinner. Some came to live with us for a while as they launched in adulthood. This earned her the title of Mama2 with her grandchildren and several dear friends whom the Grimm family consider to be our brothers and sisters today. 

Her passions, from motherhood to community building included a love for interior design, pottery, fashion, theatre, and the arts that were pursued with vision and zest. Skiing, golf, houseboating, dancing, and even horseback riding, despite a major fall, kept life in balance, full of beauty, vim and vigour. 

As her children grew, she embraced many volunteer and board leadership roles, a position as a college administrator, and the start of an ambitious and prosperous real estate career. Her vision, creativity and problem-solving abilities always led to new and inspiring outcomes and a better community. Fundraising for programs at the hospital, designing respite rooms and shaping policy for patient centered care were ahead their time. On to establishing a performing arts group in the North Shuswap, AND whenever needed, also taking on City Hall, the School Board, or the Police. She pursued justice with an unwavering belief in being a participative citizen. MJ was a woman of strong faith in the divine, and always held hope for a better world and had a drive toward making it happen. She truly showed us the way. 

Upon retirement she and Don moved from Edmonton to Celista with dreams of gathering on the shores of the Great Shuswap Lake. They acquired 2 vista properties and then built a custom home. MJ relished in employing all her creativity in both the design and build that established the family meeting spot – a vacation oasis for all to visit regularly. Through the seasons we gathered for houseboating, boating and tubing, water skiing, camping, hiking, bonfires, bbques, dancing, family karaoke, holiday rituals and more. 

Life was also rich with a several special treks to Europe, Asia, The Caribbean, Arizona, Hawaii, the rest of Canada and places in between. In 2017 MJ and Don moved off the Lake to become part of the founding community at the Residence at Orchard Walk in Kamloops, a family of friends that has filled them with a great sense of belonging and home. 

Rest Easy Now Mom. You have lit up our world’s and we all promise to share your indomitable spirit and to bring joy, hope and comfort to others. 

Through the peak of this extraordinary summer solstice with the brilliance of the Strawberry Moon illuminating the way you have left us. Upon the setting of the sun may you dance, dance, dance in the heavens and know how much you are loved. 

In lieu of flowers the family invites you to make a memorial donation to a charity of your choice. Several celebrations will be held with family and friends in the days to come. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Grimm family. 

• Date : 2024-06-22
• Location : Kamloops