MaryJo leaper

May 6, 1937 - January 23, 2011

Mary Jo (nee Delwiche) Leaper died January 23, 2011 at Brown County Community Treatment Center in Green Bay, WI. She was born May 6, 1937, in Green Bay to the now late Joseph and Agnes Delwiche. Mary Jo attended St. Matthew Catholic Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in June 1955. She attended St. Norbert College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Mary Jo was an excellent and gifted student. While at St. Norbert, her family was honored by her selection as May Queen, a religious honor. She taught in the public schools of Green Bay, WI and Syracuse, NY. She married her loyal and loving husband John Leaper at St. Matthews Church on April 19, 1965. He preceded her in death on October 14, 1999. Mary Jo loved travel, music, learning, dancing, and dogs. She was a generous soul, a concerned mother, and a wonderful sister who was spiritual and loving. She found God in her life every day. Mary Jo was a courageous mental health advocate, who was not afraid to speak-up for those less fortunate. She is survived by her loving daughter and constant companion Clairann Leaper, her caring guardians John and Anne Delwiche, a brother Fred (Audrey) Delwiche, a sister Terry (Bob) Picard, a brother-in-law Henry Leaper, and sister-in-law Mary (Robert) Patenaude. She was loved by eight neices and nephews, and will be sorely missed by close cousins, relatives and friends. Gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Resurrection Catholic Church 333 Hilltop Drive. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. at the church with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating. Burial at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. A special Thank You is given to the staff and clients at the Brown County Community Treatment Center for their gentle and loving care of Mary Jo. We also want to give Thanks to Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care-giving and support the last two years of Mary Jo’s life. The family expresses their gratefulness to the generous spirit of Brown County citizens and County Board, who have built a special home for those suffering from mental illness. And lastly, we appreciate the spiritual care given by Bishop Robert Morneau and the pastoral care team at Resurrection Catholic Parish. Special Thanks to Sister Nancy for her help in the final hours of Mary Jo’s journey here on earth. God has called her home.