Mary Jo Stadler (1947-2023)

Mary Jo Stadler, 76, of Wheaton, Illinois, formerly of Windsor, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on January 25, 2023.  Her sister, Susan (Fred) was at her side during her final weeks.  She is survived by her sister Susan Martino (Fred), her niece Megan Murrow (George), her nephew Michael Martino (Paige) as well as five great nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was born in Windsor, Connecticut to Genevieve and Leo Stadler.  She graduated from Windsor High School in 1965 and went on to attend Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia.  She graduated from Middlesex Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and went on to work at Meridan Hospital.  She found her calling at the age of 14 when she was a volunteer candy striper at Kimberly Hall.  Her compassion and desire to care for those in need made her an amazing nurse.  She finished her career as a visiting nurse for transplant patients.  Mary Jo loved her family and friends, music, especially the Oldies, antiquing, and the beach.  Many summers were spent in Groton Long Point, Connecticut creating lasting memories with her family.

In her lifetime, Mary Jo overcame more obstacles than most.  At the age of 57, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  In her nearly 20 years battling the disease, she made a lasting impression on those around her always remaining the caretaker even when needing care herself.  She will be forever loved by those she left behind.  Mary Jo will be laid to rest in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

“Way up high, there’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.  Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”  -Judy Garland