Obituary of Mary Jo Soper

Our dear Mother and MeMom, Mary Jo Soper (nee Ruane) 75 passed away peacefully on July 30, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Mary Jo was born on February 16, 1948 to Rita (DiBenedetto) and Joseph Ruane. She grew up in Pleasantville where she attended St. Peter's Catholic School and then went on to graduate from Holy Spirit High School. Mary Jo loved to help people. This led her to Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing School. There she graduated with the skills necessary to serve through a long nursing career at Shore Medical Center. She began working in dialysis but then moved to a focus she adored- wound care- and would work there until her retirement in 2013. In 1975, Mary Jo moved to Linwood where she would raise her children, Devon and Jeffrey. She became a beloved member of the community where she would continue to attend celebrations and sporting events, moving from cheering on her own children to her grandchildren, up until her death. The beach was her Happy Place! She enjoyed a nice glass of white wine, afternoon coffee with her friends, and sitting on the sidelines cheering or on video calls with her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her daughter Devon Kallen (Daniel) of Northfield, and son Jeffrey (Nicole) of Renton, WA; grandsons Connor, Brady, Logan, Micah and Noah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Mary Jo Soper 11:00am Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church 724 Maple Avenue, Linwood, NJ. Friends and family may call at the church from 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations toward a park bench in Mary Jo's name would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be sent to: Devon Kallen 2037 North Shepherd Drive, Northfied, NJ 08225. "Not a minute, Not an hour, Not a day will go by We won't think of you, Mom and smile or sigh. You enriched our lives while you were here. Now we must learn to live without you so near.Time may soften the blow, but your memory won't fade. Not a day will go by we won't wish you could have stayed" Kelly Roper