Mary Jo Karre (73), of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, a force of nature and a beloved wife, mother, CoCo (grandmother), and sister, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family. Born in Staten Island, NY, and daughter of the late George and Zion (Jospeh) Amann, Mary Jo leaves behind a legacy of strength, passion, and unwavering love for her family.

Known for her commanding presence and decisive nature, Mary Jo approached life with confidence. As the cornerstone of her family, she guided her loved ones with wisdom and affection. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were the light of her life, occupying her thoughts and fueling her determination to persevere against all odds.

Her passion for cooking was legendary. She expressed her love through the art of fine cuisine, creating masterful dishes that brought joy to family gatherings and friendly get-togethers alike. Her home was a testament to her impeccable taste, seamlessly blending carefully curated art and furniture with warm, creative spaces for her beloved grandchildren. This unique balance reflected her keen eye for design and her devotion to family, creating an environment that was both sophisticated and welcoming for all.

A fiercely loyal friend and dependable sister and sister-in-law, Mary Jo was always ready to lend a helping hand in times of crisis. Her generosity knew no bounds, touching the lives of many through her kindness and support.

She remained positive, optimistic and fearless in the face of uncertainty and health challenges. Throughout her three decades-long battle with cancer, Mary Jo turned her diagnosis into a testament to her resilience and will to live. Her strong Catholic faith was a source of strength and comfort in all aspects of her life. Through it all, she often reminded those around her, "It is what it is," a phrase that encapsulated her pragmatic approach to life's challenges.

Mary Jo earned a degree in Education from Coastal Carolina University.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Joseph Karre of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; three daughters, Erin (Sue) Karre of Pawleys Island, Julia (Stewart) Darling of Cornelius, NC, and her children, Mary Catherine, Henry, and Victoria, and Kate Karre of Pawleys Island; three sisters, Helen (Pete) Amann, Sarah (Eddie) Chiha, and Anne Amann; two brothers, Paul Amann and Anthony (Sherri) Amann; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary Jo was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Joseph Amann and one sister, Barbara Elizabeth Dumm.

Visitation will be from 5:30 - 7:00 PM Friday, July 19 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Georgetown, with a rosary at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 20, at 12:00 noon at St Mary's Catholic Church. Following the mass, a celebration of Mary Jo's life will be held in the Church's Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Friendship Place in Georgetown, SC https://friendshipplaceinc.org/ or a preferred charity.

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Karre family.