Mary Jo Bladecki

Mary Jo Bladecki age 89 passed away Monday, May 1, 2023 at Brian’s House. She was born in California, Pennsylvania on February 13, 1934. Mary Jo Graduated from Mercy College Detroit in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts in Science and Education. She earned a Master of Arts in Education as a Reading Specialist at Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee Wisconsin. Further post graduate certifications were pursued at Central Michigan University & Michigan State.

Mrs. Bladecki professional work included 37 years in Education, 17 years teaching, 20 years in administration. She was director of Reading for State and Federal Programs. She served as an elementary Principal in Bay City Schools. Mary Jo has taught graduate reading courses at Saginaw Valley State University as a well as conducting reading workshops for Teachers & Parents. Conference presentations have also been conducted at the International Reading Association & Elementary Association of School Principal.

Mrs. Bladecki has been active in numerous educational community and civic organization her professional membership includes, National Association of Elementary Principal, International Reading association, Michigan Reading Association, Michigan, Association of State and Federal Programs, Association of Profession and Curriculum Development, M.E.A. & N.E.A. She received “outstanding educator 1973-1974”. Award from the academy of American Education.

Mary Jo loved teaching children and adults the joys of reading, she loved to work in her garden & care for her beloved birds and ducks. She cherished her beloved dogs and participated in local dog judging competitions, she loved to read and travel.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Clifton K. Kellogg in February, 1983; her mother, Josephine (DeToro) Paris; father, Louis Paris; her brothers, Hugo (Tina) Paris and Nick Paris (Stella) and sister, Hilda. She is survived by her husband, Larry Bladecki whom she married on November 6, 1999; stepchildren, Wendy Bladecki (Clarkston, MI), Lori Bosco (Mike), Mike Bladecki (Linda), John Bladecki, Mark Bladecki (Meredith); grandchildren, Matt, Marci, Jordan, Jeremy (Fiancée Lorena Huerta) Bosco, Jeff Bladecki, Jennifer (Luke) VanDusen, Jacob, Ella, Remmy, Eve Bladecki; great grandchildren, Kevin VanDusen and Jack VanDusen; sister-in-law, Joanne Nagy and many nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Corpus Christi Parish. She loved life to the fullest, touched many people’s lives and will be fondly remembered by her family, friends & Colleagues. May all be remembered by fond memories.
Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Corpus Christi Parish. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Robert Gohm with private interment at Elm Lawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Gephart Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. There will be a vigil for Mary Jo on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Bay Area Community Foundation Educational Fund or Corpus Christi Parish.