Mary Jo Haley, RN, 81, of Dunnellon, Florida, passed peacefully at home after a long battle with breast cancer on July 18, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones and her beloved rescue dogs.

Born on June 20, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Earl Edwin and Mary Elizabeth Barone Haley, Mary Jo was the second of four siblings. At the age of two, her family relocated to Miami, Florida, where she would spend much of her life.

Mary Jo graduated from Immaculata High School and went on to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade Junior College in 1966. She began her forty-three-year career as an RN in the Coronary Care Unit of the ICU at Hialeah Hospital, where her extraordinary compassion and skill quickly became apparent.

Never one to stop learning, Mary Jo earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Florida International University in 1974. Her passion for both nursing and education led her to pursue further studies at St. Thomas University, where she earned a degree in Health Care Administration. This accomplishment propelled her into leadership roles as an Administrative House Supervisor at Hialeah Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and Cedars Hospital.

Mary Jo's love for sharing knowledge and mentoring others inspired her to teach in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program at Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College. Later, she joined the Memorial Hospital System as an Administrative Nurse Supervisor, a role she fulfilled with dedication and heart until her retirement in 2009.

Mary Jo embraced a new chapter of her life when she moved to the quaint town of Dunnellon, Florida. Her passion for gardening flourished—she composted, grew a wide array of vegetables, and was especially known for her delicious home-grown onions, green peppers, and tomatoes which she generously shared with neighbors, friends, and family.

Mary Jo also gave back to her community as a proud volunteer at the Dunnellon Chamber and Business Association, where she was affectionately known as one of the "Chamber Chicks." She played a key role in organizing beloved local events like Boomtown Days and the Two Rivers Music Festival. Her warmth and generosity helped forge many deep, enduring friendships—many of which became chosen family.

Mary Jo's Italian heritage was a source of pride and joy. She was known for cooking traditional family dishes such as Scattone and peppers and garlic. She loved entertaining her family and friends at her home which was fondly known and "J-n-V's B & B". She relished in hosting gatherings filled with laughter, good food, storytelling, and wine around the campfire with her friends, family, and fur babies. Her home was a place of welcome, warmth, and love.

Her impact extended far beyond her professional achievements—Mary Jo was a mentor, friend, and second mother to many. Her empathy, wisdom, and strength helped guide and shape the lives of countless individuals. She also served as a Guardian Ad Litem for the state of Florida, continuing her lifelong mission to advocate for and protect others.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Barone Haley; her father, Earl Edwin Haley; and her niece, Katherine Haley Brutto.

She is survived by her loving partner, Vicki Balser; sister, Elizabeth "BJ" (Frantz) Baron; brother, Michael D. Haley; nephew Brian (Jennifer) Brown; nephew Gregory (Shairin) Brown; nieces Brittany Maria and Andreia Penney; and lifelong friend, Ann Coon. She is also remembered fondly by many extended family members (Omi and Belissa Vazquez), friends, students, and colleagues whose lives she touched.

Mary Jo wanted you to remember her full of life and happy, so there will be no visitation or service. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date.

Should you wish, you may donate to your local animal shelter.

In honoring Mary Jo's legacy, may we each always remember to LIVE like there's no tomorrow, LAUGH 'til you cry, and LOVE with your whole heart and soul.