The family moved to Louisville, Kentucky in January of 1937, arriving right before the devastating flood of 1937 hit the area.
Mary Jo graduated from Shawnee High School in Louisville in 1947 and attended the University of Louisville for 2 years, and then completed her bachelor’s degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina in 1951 after her family relocated there. While in college, Mary Jo was a member and secretary of the Chi Omega Sorority.
Mary Jo began her teaching career in 1951 at S. Ellen Jones Elementary School in New Albany, Indiana. That same year a young man by the name of Bob Bauer - recently graduated from Indiana University - was assigned to do his student teaching in her class. It was here that they met, fell in love, and were married in December of 1952.
Bob and Mary Jo eventually ended up in Middletown, Ohio and she started her teaching career in the Middletown School System. During this time, Mary Jo started a city, state and nationally recognized “Kinderseat Program” for school children and received many awards for her work with this program. This program was created to encourage children to always wear their seatbelts.
Mary Jo was very involved with the community including being the President of the Questers Current Events Club, a member of the Monroe Garden Club and President of the Red Hats Society.Mary Jo and Bob also enjoyed being volunteers with the Mt. Pleasant Retirement Community and devoted much of their time there maintaining the Memory Garden.
Mary Jo and Bob enjoyed almost 53 years of marriage before his unexpected passing in February of 2006.
Mary Jo is survived by her four children, Robert L. Bauer, Jr. of Middletown, Mary Beth McIntosh (Greg) of Dallas, Texas, Suzanne Amburgey (Ray) of Monroe, and Frank (Debbie) Bauer of Middletown, three grandchildren, Robbie Bauer, Ben Amburgey and Kyle Bauer, and one great-grandson, Harlan Amburgey.
Mary Jo was an advocate and a voice for all children. Her wish was for every child to have the opportunity to be the best they could be, and to help them find their passion and excel. She always found the good in people and her kindness was felt by everyone that knew her - even strangers that she would meet and speak with. She cherished her friendships and welcomed everyone with a smile and warm words. Even as her health declined, her motto remained “Every Day is a Gift”. She will be missed by all that knew her.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Mt. Pleasant Retirement Village for the care and love they gave to her over the past 18 years – especially in her final days. The family would also like to thank Ohio Hospice of Dayton for helping to provide the extra care she needed during her last two months.
The visitation and funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home with Pastor Kathy Callahan-Howell officiating. Visitation will start at 10:30 am and be immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:30 am at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mound Cemetery, Monroe.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Pleasant Life Care Fund or Ohio Hospice of Dayton.
Please leave online condolences for the family at www.breitenbach-anderson.com.
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