Mary Marie (Mary Jo) Allen, age 88, a resident of Golden Horizons Assisted Living of Sandstone, MN (formerly of Superior, WI and McAllen, TX), went to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.

Born and raised in Sandstone, she graduated from Sandstone High School in 1953. She married her sweetheart, Alfred (Pete) Allen on June 26, 1954, and they welcomed their first son while living in Sandstone. The young family then moved to Superior, WI where they were blessed with three more sons. In 1981, Mary Jo, Pete, and son Darin relocated to McAllen TX, but summers were still enjoyed at the family cabin in Rutledge, MN.

Mary Jo was the pillar of the family. Her life journey to becoming a caregiver started early in life through the nurturing, support, and guidance she provided for her six siblings. Her door was always open to family and friends in need. That journey continued as Mary Jo raised a family of her own while obtaining accreditation as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She touched countless lives through the 40 years of providing health care at various medical facilities, primarily at Superior Clinic in Wisconsin and later in her career at Hidalgo County Public Health in McAllen, TX.

Spending time with family and friends was the joy of Mary Jo's life. There are so many fond memories of large family get-togethers filled with love, laughter, and an abundance of good food. Thrift store shopping was her favorite pastime and everyone was rewarded with many of those special treasures over the years. There were also the occasional trips to the casino to try and win "the big one"! She always enjoyed the spirit of travel which included family adventures throughout the U.S. (Hawaii on several occasions), overseas to Europe (United Kingdom and France) and the many memorable family cruises.

Mary Jo will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her sons; Keith (Ann Marie), Brian (Eija), Craig (Kay) and Darin (Joyce); 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; siblings Dorothy Kendall, Connie (Jerry) Nelson, Sandra (Robert) Treland, and Timothy Gervais;, sisters-in-law Melanie Gervais and Shirley Allen; as well as many nephews, nieces, other relatives and dear friends.

We take comfort in knowing that Mary Jo will be reunited in Heaven with her loving husband Pete who preceded her to Heaven in 2003, parents Leonard and Lily Gervais, sister JoAnn Severin, brother Steven, niece Brenda, nephews Scott and Doug, many brothers/sisters-in-law, and other extended family.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Mary Jo Allen at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Sandstone MN with Father Joseph Sirba officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. She will be laid to rest at Spring Park Cemetery in Sandstone.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Mary Jo's memory to Cure Alzheimer's Fund (at curealz.org/giving/donate) or to St. Luke's Catholic Church.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Sandstone Chapel.