Mary Jo (Lahetta) Rodriguez

Mary Jo Rodriguez, 71, beloved Mother and Sister went to be with the Lord after a five month battle with Pancreatic Cancer.  She passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side on June 12th, 2024 in Fremont,OH.
She was born to parents Martha (Ericson) Lahetta and William Lahetta, on July 11th, 1952 in Lorain, Ohio. Both of whom are preceded in death. 

She grew up in Lorain,OH alongside her nine brothers and sisters. She graduated from Elyria Catholic High School in 1971. She went on to study Early Childhood Education at Lorain County Community College and Bowling Green State University. Mary Jo worked as a Para Professional for 30 years. Most of her career was spent with Fremont City Schools. She had a passion to work with children that came naturally.  After 30 years of service, Mary Jo was planning to retire this fall. 

A friend to many, she enjoyed being surrounded by those who brought her great conversation, an evening out dancing with lots of laughter. Never absent was her smile that would light up the room. No one was a stranger to our Mom.  You could always count on her warm, "Hello", even if she didn't remember your name.  Mom made everyone feel as though she knew you for years even though it was your first time meeting her.  Her words were so profound that they left a lasting mark on you. She had a great green thumb and enjoyed working in her flowerbed while always having the best tomatoes from her small garden. Many considered her "young at heart" and that was evident as she had the most fun being out and about listening to live music and dancing the night away with friends.  

Mary Jo married Raymond "Tony" Rodriguez,whom is preceded in death(1991), on December 28th, 1973 in Lorain, OH. Together they had three children;Monica (Brett) Gerber of Galena, OH, Anthony(Chrissy), Her "Favorite Daughter in law" Rodriguez of Perrysburg, OH and Marissa(Brian) Lenhart of Gahanna,OH. 

Mary Jo was incredibly proud of her three children and all of their accomplishments. She was always comforted to know that her children found the best teammates in life. Brett, Brian, and Chrissy gave Mary Jo all the love, support, service and compassion as if she was their own mom. She loved her eight grandchildren very much.  Through the years she attended their Plays, Art shows, Cross Country meets, Hockey, Baseball, Softball and Soccer games. She would let her silliest sideout and cherished every hug and I love you. 
Her sudden diagnosis was cruel and unfair.  Mary Jo had plans to finally Retire, see more of the world and spend more time with family. She was especially blessed to have found love again with Vito Kaminskas of Port Clinton,OH for the past two years. Mary Jo would say Vito was "my guy" and was looking forward to spending more time with him, continuing their traveling adventures and true happiness together. Her children were elated that she found someone to share her joyfulness with. Mary Jo will be remembered for her warm-heart and kindness by all who have been honored enough to have known her!
 
Mary Jo is survived by all of her children and her Grandchildren, Lauryn, Anthony, Hudson, Grayson, Mason, Emily, Noah and Elyse. Her brothers and sisters;, Carole(Thomas) Moran, sister-in-law, Marcy (Carl) Lahetta, sister; Judith (Lawrence) Rusin, brother William(Pearl) Lahetta, sister M.J. Kerr, sister-in-law;Glorianne (James) Lahetta, Brother; Thomas(Christine) Lahetta, and Brother Phillip Lahetta. She has numerous nieces and nephews and was blessed to know her great nieces and nephews.  
She is preceded in death by Parents William Lahetta(1988),Martha Lahetta(2011), Late Husband "Tony" Rodriguez(1991), Brothers;Paul Lahetta(1955), Carl(Marcy) Lahetta (2015), James(Glorianne) Lahetta(2017) and two nephews, Carl Andrew Lahetta(2019) and James Paul Lahetta(2011)

Visitation will be held on Monday June 17,2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hanneman-Keller Funeral Home, 416 S. Arch St. Fremont, OH 43420. Rosary will be held at 6:30 PM. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday June 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St, Fremont, OH 43420.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to https://www.maryjofund.org/. 

On behalf of Hanneman-Keller Funeral Home, we would like to thank Mary Jo's family for entrusting us with her final arrangements. We encourage those to share a fond memory with the family at www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com

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