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MARY JO CARNINE, 87, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Accura Healthcare in Cherokee, Iowa.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cherokee, Iowa. Pastor Mike Agnew will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Cherokee, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Mary Jo's honor to the Cherokee Education Foundation, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, or Cherokee Regional Hospice.
Mary Jo Carnine of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Accura Healthcare in Cherokee, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 22, 1937, to Jefferey and Margaret Barry, she was a lifelong resident of Cherokee.
After graduating from Cherokee High School in 1955, Mary Jo earned her teaching degree from Wayne State Teachers College in 1957. She began her career teaching elementary school in Battle Creek, Larrabee, and later transitioned to a role at the state hospital. In 1960, she welcomed her daughter, Barbara, into the world.
Following a health challenge, Mary Jo discovered a profound passion for serving her community. She dedicated countless hours to volunteering, including positions at the Cherry Street House and supporting Dennis Bahr for over two decades.
A devout Christian, Mary Jo found joy in serving her church. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women, serving in various leadership roles and participating in numerous church activities, and for several years she was a delegate to an annual conference representing St. Paul's. Her dedication to her faith was evident in her commitment to her community.
Since 1995, Mary Jo has been instrumental in organizing the Salvation Army fund drive and inspiring St. Paul's members to volunteer as bell ringers. Her compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication to helping others touched the lives of many.
Beyond her community work, Mary Jo cherished spending time with loved ones and traveling. She leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her daughter, Barb Carnine Winchell; sister, Pat Olson; brothers, Richard and Jim Barry; grandchildren, Shane & Kristen Bellefy (great-grandchildren Breckynn, Blaine, Benson, and Broden), Alex Winchell & Maddie (Stoker), and Austin & Nikka Winchell; and many nieces and nephews. Mary Jo will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.
The family would like to thank Cherokee Regional Hospital, Cherokee Regional Hospice, Spencer Hospital, June E. Nylen Cancer Center, Dr. Chris Vandelune, and many other medical professionals, who assisted Mary Jo during many of her medical treatments throughout her 30-year battle with cancer.
