Mary Jo (Parkhurst) Staib passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at her home in Port Charlotte, Florida, on December 14, 2024. She was 66 years old.

Mary Jo's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Staib; her three beloved children: Son Nicholas Staib and his wife Julie and their children Benjamin William and Tyler James, and daughters Emily Staib, and Hannah Staib.   She also leaves behind her stepfather, John Tellier and his wife Nancy Tellier, sister Peggy Frangos and her brothers Jim Parkhurst and his wife Roselyn, John Tellier and his wife Michelle, and Bill Tellier.  Sisters-in-law Sally Karpp and her husband Rob and Susan Keefe join many cousins, nieces and nephews who also mourn Mary Jo's passing.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Mary Jo grew up in Dracut, Massachusetts, where she attended school and enjoyed cheerleading and horseback riding. She went on to study at Castle Junior College in Windham, New Hampshire.  Following her education, Mary Jo dedicated 40 years of service to BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she worked from 1979 until her retirement in 2019.  She was very proud and honored to support the mission served by BAE Systems protecting both US and Allied service members.

Mary Jo's warm, welcoming, thoughtful and empathetic personality was the foundation of the many relationships she nurtured throughout her life.  With Mary Jo, everyone had a seat at her table.  Whether you were a lifelong friend or a new acquaintance, Mary Jo was sure to make your visit easy, memorable and fun.  She had the ability to make everyone feel special and she always put others first.

Mary Jo fulfilled many roles throughout her life – mother, sister, friend, wife, colleague….she found great joy and pride watching the development and accomplishments of her children, nieces and nephews.  These past few years provided her one of her most joyful roles: being "Nanny" to grandsons Ben and Ty.

Mary Jo had a deep love for the beach and treasured traveling with her family. Some of her happiest memories were made during their trips to Cape Cod and sailing charters to the British Virgin Islands. When not traveling to these beach destinations, she loved enjoying time on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire.  She also enjoyed scrapbooking to preserve the moments that meant so much to her.

One of the lessons that Mary Jo loved to model for her children was this: "Be kind, kindness matters".  Mary Jo's warmth and dedication to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May the memories of her life bring comfort to those she held dear.

A celebration of Mary Jo's life will be held on January 3 ^rd , 2025, between 4 and 7pm at Murphy's Taproom and Carriage House, 393 State Route 101 in Bedford NH 03110. Please bring your favorite memory/story of Mary Jo to share.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Jo requested that any donations be made to the Neely Foundation.  Mary Jo and Bill received tremendous support from the Neely organization, staying at the Neely House in Boston for over 90 days during Mary Jo's hospitalization in 2023.  The Neely Foundation provides critically needed fundraising support in the pursuit of a cure for Cancer.  Donations can be made by visiting www.camneelyfoundation.org to make your donation in Mary Jo's memory.  Donations can also be mailed to:

Andy Osofsky

Cam Neely Foundation

170 Milk Street

Boston MA 02109