Mary Jo Marciniak passed away May 1, 2022 at age 73 with her family by her side in Naples, Florida. During her short time in the hospital battling lymphoma, she was provided platelets and red blood cells to aid in her ability to fight cancer. Although her time was limited, the hospital shared how much of a nationwide shortage there is for red blood cells and especially platelets. In lieu of flowers, the Marciniak family would be grateful, if you are able, to consider making a donation in Mary Jo’s honor to help replenish and improve the opportunity for other patients to fight their battle.

Join us as we roll up our sleeves in honor of Mary Jo!

Mary Jo was born March 12, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph and Angela (Gesuelli) Renda. The oldest of four children, she loved and cared for her three brothers as they grew up in northwest Detroit. Her youngest brother introduced her to the Marciniak family a couple of streets over, in which she met Gregory, the oldest son. After dating for two years, they were married on August 6, 1971, and moved into their first home in the same neighborhood. A couple of years later they moved to Troy, Michigan where they settled and raised their daughter, Angela, and son, Anthony.

She had an esteemed, 33-year-long career at General Motors, starting as a clerk at 19, completing her bachelor’s degree at Oakland University, and working her way up the ranks in Human Resources. Her love of travel and culture led her to blaze trails to destinations around the globe and hold multiple leadership positions overseeing and supporting ex-pats in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and finally in South America until she retired in 2002. Her children credit her with helping to expand their world view and passion for travel and provide a model of work ethic, excellence, perseverance, and faith that has led to their successful careers and vocations.

Once retired, Mary Jo and Greg moved to Naples, Florida where they enjoy the weather, golfing, family, and friends. A renaissance woman with a passion for art, design, cooking, golf, literature, and classic movies. Her love and talent for cooking and hosting brought family and friends together for dinner parties and holiday gatherings. Her (pasta) “Sauce” was much loved and copied though never quite duplicated. Mary Jo’s personality lent to easy friendships with all and provided energy to the natural leadership roles she held in her communities, career, and church.

A wife of 50 years to Gregory Marciniak. Mother of Angela Marciniak (Joseph Yackamovich), and Anthony (Rebecca) Marciniak. Grandmother and guardian angel of 2-month-old Isaac Xavier Marciniak. Sister to Francis Renda, Joseph (Carol) Renda, and proceeded in death by Lawrence Renda. Sister-in-law of Jerome (Nancy) Marciniak. Loved by her nephew, Michael Renda, and niece Megan (Zac) Zenz and their children Lucas, Zoey, and Ryan.