Obituary of Mary Jo Coleman

Mary Jo walked off the golf course for the final time on Thursday, August 4, 2022.   

Mary Jo was born on December 20, 1940 on Tipperary Hill, where she attended St. Patrick’s School.   

Following high school graduation, Mary Jo entered the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph, where she served for over 30 years.  She was a social worker in the Syracuse City School District, in a role where she touched many lives. She was a founding member of Vera House and served as president of its board of directors.  She was the second director of the Annual HOPE Appeal.  With her sister Winnie, she started Cashel House Irish Imports, which she ran for over 26 years. 

Mary Jo preferred to be behind the scenes but she had a big influence on  Tipperary Hill.  If you look around at the uniquely painted houses on Tipp Hill, those paint colors were carefully chosen by Mary Jo and we have it on good authority that she was the mastermind behind the leprechaun door at Coleman’s. She also played an integral role in designing the Tipp Hill Memorial Monument.  She lived her life to the fullest and gave whatever she was doing her all. She was an amazing friend to so, so many and the most incredible aunt anyone could ever ask for. 

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Peter and Josephine, brothers, Michael & Peter and sisters, Winnie and Pat.

Mary Jo is survived her brother, Danny (Valerie), sisters-in-law, Genie and Mary Pat, dear friend, Sister Joan Killoran, several nieces and nephews and many, many great nieces and nephews, whom she adored.  She liked to think of herself as a proxy grandparent and attended every event she could. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Saturday, August 13th at St. Patrick’s St. Brigid’s Church, 216 N. Lowell Ave.  Calling hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home.  Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Vera House or St. Patrick’s Food Pantry.