Mary Jo Meyer

Throughout her life, Mary Jo Baggott Meyer was deeply devoted to making an impact in the world around her. She was a hardworking woman who served within her community in a variety of ways both through her work and in her involvement in other activities. Mary Jo was a woman of faith who used her gifts and talents to help others in ways both great and small. She loved traveling and experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. Although Mary Jo will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a timeless collection of memories that her friends and loved ones will forever treasure.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Things only became more trying when a crippling drought covered our nations heartland for nearly two years, adding strain to an already overly stressed agricultural industry. Despite the trials around them, Valandingham M. and Verl A. (Atwood) Baggott were able to shift their attention to an exciting time in their own lives as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held Herrin, Illinois, firmly in its grip in July of 1938. The big day finally arrived on July 29th when the baby girl they named Mary Jo drew her first breath. Her earliest years were spent in Zeigler, Illinois, but in high school she moved to Herrin with her parents. Mary Jo attended local schools including Herrin High School.

After graduating from high school in 1955, Mary Jo continued her education. She attended William Woods College, Chicago Teachers College, University of Hawaii, and University of Colorado. During this time Mary Jo was married to Dr. G. Dale Meyer, and together they lived in various states as he was working as a professor at several universities. She received her bachelors degree from Northwestern University and two masters degrees from University of Iowa and University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

As her friends can attest, Mary Jo was known for her hard work. She held over 60 jobs including working as a shortage control clerk at General Motors and also working at Park Center and at Bowen Center as a counselor. Mary Jo additionally worked as a secretary for Heartland Sings and helped with the editing of their newsletters. She spent more than 40 years with Great Lakes Recreation Leaders Laboratory Inc. where she also served on the board. Mary Jo was a volunteer tutoring second graders with Fort Wayne Community Schools.

A woman of many interests, Mary Jo was a bustle of activity over the years. With a lifelong love for traveling, she spent five months in Europe after college including the Cyprus Country. In addition to her volunteer efforts within her community, Mary Jo was a member at First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir and served as a deacon. She enjoyed singing, dancing, and reading mysteries. Mary Jos favorite author was Agatha Christie, and her favorite book was Daughter of Time.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Mary Jo Baggott Meyer lived a life of purpose while holding the people and experiences she loved near to her heart. She was more than willing to work hard, but she also made the time to enjoy life along the way. She leaves behind a significant imprint in the lives of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Mary Jo Baggott Meyer, of Fort Wayne, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2017, at Hamilton Place. Mary Jos family includes her cousins, Joseph Baggott, Ellen Naylor, and Betsy Dubicki.

A memorial service is2pm Saturday, December 9, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne with a gathering starting at 1pm. Her urn will be placed in the churchs columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Samaritans Purse, Great Lakes Recreation Leaders Lab or First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements with DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home. www.demoneygrimes.com .