Mary Jo Deerwester

Mary Jo Deerwester (age 73) passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023. She was born December 4, 1949, in Muncie, Indiana, to the late Bernard and Josephine Cattey. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Steven J. Deerwester, as well as her sister, Elizabeth “Libby” (Cattey) Woolery. Mary Jo is survived by her children, Steven (Lindsey Elam) Deerwester and Marissa (Michael Powell) Deerwester; brother, David (Sharon) Cattey; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and the most genuinely sweet person — always showing kindness and thoughtfulness towards others. It was through the church that she found some of her closest friends and her loving husband, Steve. Mary Jo and Steve met at St. Thomas Moore Newman Center, where they later wed in 1987.

Mary Jo’s caring nature extended beyond her family and friends; she dedicated her life to helping college students as an Academic Advisor at Columbus State Community College for 30 years and, later, The Ohio State University. She also regularly supported and volunteered with several local nonprofits, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society and LifeCare Alliance.

Mary Jo was a lifelong learner; she graduated from Lima Central Catholic High School and later obtained her B.S. and M.S. at The Ohio State University.

She courageously fought Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) for more than a decade and believed information about this disease was power. Mary Jo attended annual conferences to hear from experts and be with others in the NETs community. She would often proudly wear a zebra, the awareness mascot for her type of cancer.

Despite this disease, Mary Jo lived a fulfilled life and did not let cancer slow her down. From bible study to book club to shopping for deals to traveling all across the United States and several other countries, she was a social butterfly who was always on the move.

Throughout her community, many felt Mary Jo’s kind and caring spirit. Her legacy of love and thoughtfulness will continue to inspire and touch the lives of those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky to know her.