1921
Mrs.
2008
Mrs. Mary Panzero
July 28, 1921 — August 7, 2008
Mary Jo Panzero, 87 of Raytown, passed lovingly into the arms of God on Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Kansas City Hospice House, after a two-month illness. Born on July 28, 1921, to parents Elmer and Clara (Callery) Grinnell, she was the third of their five daughters.
She was a graduate of Central High School, working throughout the majority of her adult life, including jobs with TWA, Sam?s Department Store, Schnuck?s Grocery Store and most recently (until the age of 85) at the Raytown Hy-Vee Floral Shop.
Mary Jo was a lifelong member of Community Christian Church on the Country Club Plaza, and was still assisting with the Prayer Chain until the time she became ill. She was also a long-time member of the Children?s Mercy Hospital Century Club. She spent several years volunteering for the Lee?s Summit Hospital Auxiliary in the Gift Shop. In more recent years, she joined The Salvation Army Auxiliary, helping with the Omelet Brunch and knitting stocking caps for the Children?s Center. Known to many as JoJo, she loved helping others, crafts, playing the slot machines, a good laugh, and spending time with her beloved grandkids.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Clara Grinnell; adored husband, Sam Panzero; sister, Genevieve Henshaw; sister, Catherine Robertson; and sister Patricia Thompson. She is survived by son, Rick Phillips, and grandchildren, Nichole and Ricky; daughter, Claire Saunders (husband Brett), and grandchildren, Blake and Evan. She also leaves behind sister, Peggy Schumacher, and many extended family members and friends that she loved dearly.
She was a graduate of Central High School, working throughout the majority of her adult life, including jobs with TWA, Sam?s Department Store, Schnuck?s Grocery Store and most recently (until the age of 85) at the Raytown Hy-Vee Floral Shop.
Mary Jo was a lifelong member of Community Christian Church on the Country Club Plaza, and was still assisting with the Prayer Chain until the time she became ill. She was also a long-time member of the Children?s Mercy Hospital Century Club. She spent several years volunteering for the Lee?s Summit Hospital Auxiliary in the Gift Shop. In more recent years, she joined The Salvation Army Auxiliary, helping with the Omelet Brunch and knitting stocking caps for the Children?s Center. Known to many as JoJo, she loved helping others, crafts, playing the slot machines, a good laugh, and spending time with her beloved grandkids.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Clara Grinnell; adored husband, Sam Panzero; sister, Genevieve Henshaw; sister, Catherine Robertson; and sister Patricia Thompson. She is survived by son, Rick Phillips, and grandchildren, Nichole and Ricky; daughter, Claire Saunders (husband Brett), and grandchildren, Blake and Evan. She also leaves behind sister, Peggy Schumacher, and many extended family members and friends that she loved dearly.
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