Mary Jo G. (Fuerst) Hojohn

Mrs. Mary Jo (Fuerst) Hojohn, age 54, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Oneida Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Rutland, Vermont on August 11, 1959, Mary Jo was the daughter of Preston R. Fuerst and the late Patricia (Seery) Fuerst. As a young girl, along with her family, she moved to the Utica area where she was raised and educated, graduating from John F. Kennedy High School. She then furthered her education at the College of St. Rose where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Special Education. She also received a Masters of Science in Education at SUNY Cortland. Subsequently, she was awarded her Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in Education from SUNY Cortland. While attending the College of St. Rose, Mary Jo met Paul Hojohn, the love of her life and soul mate. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1986 they were united in marriage; the couple shared their love for 27 years. At one time, Mary Jo held the position of Principal of Peterboro and South Side Elementary Schools in Canastota. From there, she earned a position as an Assistant Director of Special Education for the Rome City School District. She was currently Director of Special and Alternative Education at Madison-Oneida BOCES. She was an ardent advocate for the education of children and the fulfillment of their emotional and social needs. Just as she shined in the workplace, she radiated love at home as a wife and mother. She purposefully raised her girls to be strong and independent women. Very giving and uplifting, she lived life to its fullest. Blessed with a tremendous sense of humor, she knew how to make others feel very special. She had a wonderful way of lighting up a room, warming up to those she met, and leaving a beautiful impression on those she touched with her presence. She was also very energetic in her involvement in charitable causes, community events, and activities. She especially enjoyed her time spent coaching youth basketball at Vernon-Verona Sherrill Central School District. She was a passionate fan of North Carolina Tarheels Basketball, a longtime supporter of NY Mets Baseball, and due to her husband’s relentless influence, she was also a NY Yankees fan. She was a parishioner of the Church of the Holy Family in Vernon as well as a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church locally. Mary Jo is survived by her husband, Paul; her daughters, Ally and Brianna Hojohn, both at home; her father, Preston Fuerst of Utica; her sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and James Mack of Deerfield; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and M.J. Fuerst, and Matt and Connie Fuerst, all currently residing in Florida. Her extended family includes many nieces and nephews, including Korrie (who was also her goddaughter) and Michael Mack, Meghan and Madison Fuerst, Ryan and Halle Fuerst, Shannon, Kevin, and Keegan Browne, Ashley Hatker, and her son Caleb Hildreth (who was also her godson), Frank Hatker, and Alicia Hatker; great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, aunts and uncles; mother-in-law Mary Ann Davis and her companion Hank Wagoner; in-laws Michelle and Kevin Browne, Lisa Hatker and her companion Jim; and her many special friends and co-workers. The family extends gratitude to Mary Jo’s physician and friend, Dr. James Vanderhoof, for his compassion and care. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mary Jo’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary Jo G. (Fuerst) Hojohn

August 11, 1959 - January 21, 2014