Mary Josephine Ducharme (“Mary Jo”)
Mary Josephine Ducharme (“Mary Jo”), age 98, of Friendswood, TX, passed away on April 29, 2022, in League City, TX. Mary Jo lived in the Houston/Galveston area for 74 years. She was born in Rutledge, Missouri on December 11, 1923, and was raised in Ethel, Missouri, a small town about 140 miles northeast of Kansas City. After graduating from high school in Ethel, Mary Jo went to business school and, before the end of World War II, she was recruited into a civil service job as a clerical typist in Washington, DC. While living in Washington, she met her husband, Floyd F. (“Frenchy”) Ducharme, a U.S. sailor stationed in D.C. Back in the mid-1940’s, the USO clubs in D.C. were hopping with Jitterbug and the Swing. When Mary Jo met Frenchy, and he could dance, that was all it took…”he was a keeper.” They were married in 1948 in Kansas City and moved to Houston in 1949. They resided in Pasadena, Texas for 25 years, where they raised their 3 daughters, Jackie, Bonnie and Kay; then on to Bayou Vista to their water-front dream home for approximately 26 years; and then Bella Vita, Pearland (active adult community) for 9 years. They danced the entire 67 years of their marriage. Frenchy passed away in 2015.
Mary Jo was a dedicated homemaker, always keeping the house clean, tidy and germ-free. A repeated directive to anyone entering the kitchen, coming to the dining table or exiting the bathroom, was “did you wash your hands!” Frenchy always jokingly replied “No” just to get her ruffled, and then laugh. It was a life of constant comic relief.
Mary Jo was also an exceptional cook. The many years of living on the waterfront catching fish off the dock and having access to plenty of fresh seafood, contributed to some of her most noted recipes like gumbo, shrimp slaw, crab stuffing, and shrimp etouffee. She also loved to go fishing.
In addition to her culinary skills, she was a lover of live music. She kept up with all the best local rock and roll bands and live music venues. She always knew where to go on the weekends and had a plan.
Mary Jo was also a dedicated walker. She walked at least 3 or 4 miles a day, and if the weather was rainy or cold, she would walk in the mall. Everyone knew her on her walking route. She rarely missed a day.
Mary Jo enjoyed life and never wanted for much…always looking to have fun, have a good laugh and ready to go dancing!
She is reunited with her husband of 67 years, Floyd F Ducharme; parents, Carl and Marie Matlick; sister, Carlita Hogenson; brothers: Richard Matlick, James (“Buddy”) Matlick, Maurice Matlick, Jerry Matlick, and Larry Matlick.
Mary Jo leaves behind her sister, Phyllis Beale; daughters: Jackie Yancey, Bonnie Ducharme, and Kay Lonsway; grandchildren: Myste Schielack, husband Stuart, Brandi Hitchcock, husband David, Meagan Miller, husband Chase, and Amy Lonsway; great-grandchildren: Cody Hitchcock, Stone Schielack, and Crew Schielack.
She was extremely blessed with the best dedicated care, love and companionship in her final years of life by her sweet caregiver Allison Quinones Moorehead.
Graveside services will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Frwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-3111.
Mary Jo is now with Frenchy dancing with the angels!
For those who are attending the graveside service, here is a map to the location
So sorry for your loss. But few people are allowed the many years you had with your mother. Such a blessing that goes both ways. What great life she had. God Bless!
Thank you so much, Marsha. I always will remember how sweet you were to help me out when mom was in the hospital and many times when Allison and I couldn’t be there fir mom when mom was having her more difficult times. ❤️
They always say, “We only have one life, make it count!” Sounds like she found the gift of life…her perfect man and always keep on dancing! She was blessed.
Thank you for your sweet note, Jane. My mom taught me to enjoy life. I will miss her so much. But she is with dad now!! They were inseparable!
Bonnie, regrettably a bright and shining light in your life has gone dark .
your mother lived a long joyous and productive life. the life lessons that make you who you are are a result of Frenchy and your mom’s personality and love for their family. their time here was lengthy yet limited, and their reunion with out the limitations of age or limitations a blessing . they both have left their stamp of approval on your life and countless memories that will carry you forward in your life. the grief of your sorrow for the loss will make the memories so vivid soon and I know both are so proud of who you have become !
Jackie, Bonnie, and Kay, I know you will miss your mother and I know you miss your father very much. I was surprised to receive the notice from the funeral home. I remember your mother and father very well. I knew your mother when I was just a small child. Of course I Met your father when I was older. My condolences to you and your families in your time of sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing that She’s in heaven with your dad.
Jackie Bonnie and Kay
So sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort and solace in your time of sorrow I know you will miss your mother and that you miss your father very much God bless all three of you.
It sounds like she had a wonderful life. I’m sorry I did not get to visit her, but often thought about her . I’m glad she got to dance. My parents Maurice and Nancy loved her and talked about how they used to go boating with her and Frenchy. My thoughts are with the family and I know she will be missed . Lori Mann
We are saddened to hear of Aunt Mary Jo’s passing. I didn’t get to see her much but the times i did see her and Frenchy were all fond memories and seeing many photos of cherished times with family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as we know she will be dearly missed. We too believe she is dancing with Angels!
My heartfelt sympathy for the lose of Aunt Mary Jo. Her memory will not be forgotten.
Terri Matlick Runer
Jackie, Bonnie, and Kay,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember enjoying one of your Mom’s shrimp dinners — oh my, it tasted so good! You are in my thoughts.
Tim (Matlick) Beale
Thank you, Tim.
What a wonderful message of love for your mom. It is comforting to know she is reunited with loved ones “dancing with the Angels”.
Thank you Nicki
Mary Jo Matlick Ducharme was my sister. She was kind and thought about her younger siblings while she was away working in Washington, D.C. she bought us bicycles. I got mine when I was 9 or 10. When she came back to Ethel, MO, we were all excited to see her. She dressed in style and looked glamorous. I spent two summers with Mary Jo and Frenchy. Jackie and Bonnie were small then. Kay was born later.
Mary Jo was a fun person who loved to laugh and always seemed young. People liked to be with her. Jackie, Bonnie and Kay had a loving mother who helped them to be the good people they are.
Such a sweet note and insight into my mom’s younger days. It was so great to have you visit her just a couple of years ago while she was still aware of things and I think she knew you.
Mary Jo was my sister. She was a kind, fun loving person. She always seemed young to me. She was a loving mother to Jackie, Bonnie and Kay. They will miss her.
She made good pea salad..