Mary Jo Gorcyca of Kennett Square, PA passed away at her home, surrounded by family, on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the age of 65.
Born in Cleveland, OH, Mary Jo moved to Texas during high school. She attended The University of Dallas, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and later The University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1983 with a Master of Arts in Education.
A lifelong educator, Mary Jo spent over 25 years teaching. She started her career as an elementary school teacher in Dallas, TX, and later served as principal in Victoria, TX. She returned to teaching in Kennett Square after staying home to raise her 5 children. She spent 17 years shuttling kids to swim practice, music lessons, rowing regattas, Scout meetings, and any other hobby they decided was their “new thing.”
Mary Jo was an avid reader and collector of autographed children’s books. She loved crafts, including quilting and crocheting.
She is survived by her husband John of Kennett Square, PA, and her children: Jeff of New York, NY, Kate and husband Tom and granddaughter Cecilia of Somerville, NJ, Jackie and husband Jim of San Francisco, CA, Kim of Frisco, CO, and John Michael of Kennett Square, PA. Mary Jo is also survived by her mother, Clara, of Houston, TX, her brother Jim and sister-in-law Sandi of Houston, TX, as well as nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Penn Medicine for their warmth, kindness, and compassionate care of Mary Jo.
The Rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 1:30 pm at St. Mary of the Assumption, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 pm. Interment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on her behalf to Reach Out & Read in Philadelphia, PA at reachoutandreadphilly.org.
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