Mary Jo Viola

                                                                                       MARY JO VIOLA

Mary Jo Viola, 70, of Wintersville, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Trinity West. She is the daughter of the late Robert and Margaret Roshon Strong.

She is survived by Gene Viola, her devoted husband of 47 years, her son Robert (Emilie) Viola, her daughter Renie (Ryan) Foshee, her grandchildren Sophia, Josephine, and Jack, and her brother Neil (Doris) Strong. Jo was born April 15, 1947 in Washington Courthouse, Ohio, where she immediately began a lifetime of service to others.

As a child she helped her family care first for her ailing grandfather, and then as a teenager for both of her sick parents. In 1965 she earned a full academic scholarship to Kent State University, becoming the first member of her family to attend college. She graduated Summa Cum Laud in 1969, and then earned her Master’s Degree before embarking on her 36 year career as an educator and advocate for area children. Jo was an English Professor at both Jefferson Technical College (now Eastern Gateway College) and Franciscan University in Steubenville, and later a program director for Children’s Social Services in Steubenville.

She was active in politics, both local and national, and volunteered regularly for causes she believed in. She was a member of the Primetime Senior Center, Four Seasons and the Fun Seekers. Jo retired in 2006 to spend her time building a lifetime’s worth of memories with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader, a passionate animal lover, and the cornerstone of her family. We will miss her dearly.

Calling hours are Monday from 3-7 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. A funeral liturgy with Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Msgr. Gerald Calovini will celebrate. Burial will be private in Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society, 200 Airpark Rd., Wintersville, OH 43952. Offer condolences at www.mostifuneralhome.com

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