Our wonderful
mother and friend, Mary Jo, was born March 12, 1939, to
Anthony and Fannie Fulvio in Lewiston. On Oct. 28, 2012,
after a long and courageous battle with cancer, she was
called home to her heavenly Father.
Growing up in Lewiston, she graduated from Lewiston High
School in 1957. She began working for Potlatch Corp., where
she later transferred to San Francisco. She then returned
home to marry her faithful and devoted husband of 43 years,
Jerry Rendall. Together, they lived in Texas and Illinois
and later returned to Lewiston in 1971.
After starting their family, Mary Jo relished her role as a
mother and homemaker, nurturing and supporting her children,
Julia (JJ) and Patty. Upon moving to Spokane in 1976, she
held a variety of secretarial positions in the area.
Throughout the years, she enjoyed playing the organ at Our
Lady of Lourdes in Lewiston, participating in numerous
bowling leagues and was involved extensively in her
daughters' school and sports activities.
One of her favorite accomplishments was being co-chairwoman
of the first girls' select soccer team in eastern
Washington. Countless hours were devoted in each of her
daughters' classrooms assisting with reading, providing
encouragement and supporting literacy programs. She also
served as a Camp Fire leader and team mom to a variety of
activities.
Her favorite time of the year was Christmas and she took
great pride in her holiday village collection. Being an avid
music lover, one could often hear music being played
throughout the home. She cherished her time with her family
and especially enjoyed her precious grandchildren, Hayden
and Riley, who looked forward to spending quality time at
Grandma and Papa's house.
She is survived by her husband Jerry; daughters, Julia
Rendall and Patty (Mark) Miller; and two grandchildren, all
of Spokane. Mary Jo is also survived by sister, Barbara
(Gary) O'Connor-Parsons of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and numerous
aunts and uncles.
Special thanks to Dr. Danko and Dr. Lee of Cancer Care
Northwest and their amazing staff, and Dr. MacKay of Gamma
Knife of Spokane. Also, special thanks to Dr. Bob (Robert
Numata) for his loyalty and guidance. She wished to extend
her warmest gratitude to her dear friends, Melody Sloppy and
Carol Numata, for many years of care and friendship.
A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday at St.
Mary's Catholic Church, 304 S. Adams, Spokane Valley. In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Spokane
or Cancer Care Northwest.
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