Mary Jo Myszke Vernasco

Mary Jo Myszke Vernasco, age 85, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away on February 25th, 2023 at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina after a brief illness. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

Mary Jo was born on December 8th, 1937 to the late Józef Jan Myszke of Kolo, Poland, and Leokadja Robotnik-Myszke of Aleksandrów Kujawski, Poland, at St. Joseph Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. She is preceded in death by her parents and her infant sister Mary Myszke.

Mary Jo was deeply proud of her Polish heritage, and passed along her family history to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was especially proud of her father’s service in the Polish Army of America during the First World War.

Mary Jo graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955, and received an associate’s degree in accounting from the South Bend College of Commerce in 1957. She married Walter L. Vernasco at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame on February 15th, 1958. Mary Jo and Walter had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary prior to her passing. She dedicated her life to her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and Catholic faith. She was a devoted caregiver to her mother for many years during her old age. Mary Jo spent most of her life in Indiana and North Carolina, but also lived in Hazelton, PA and Belchertown, MA. She was a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Cary, NC for 30 years, and helped with the building fund for the church and school. Mary Jo was a keen gardener, history enthusiast, and talented artist. She was a gentle soul and enjoyed sharing her love of her Catholic faith and Polish heritage with others.

She is survived by her husband and her four children: Kathleen (Daniel), Deborah (Diego), Annette (Michael), and Thomas. She is also succeeded by her ten grandchildren: Flavia (Fabricio), Jon (Hollie), Shirlei (Jamie), Sarah, Diego, Christina, Bella (fiancé Brady), Helena, Maria (fiancé Douglas), and Meghan. In addition, she is succeeded by her eight great-grandchildren, older sister Eleanor, her brother-in-law Joseph, and many nieces and nephews.

A mass for Mary Jo will be held Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 804 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium. Afterward, a reception will be held in the Parish Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Vernasco family.