MAYER MARY JOSEPHINE (BAKER) Mary Josephine Jo Baker Mayer, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Texas, on January 30, 2014. She was 86 years old. Jo was born in Johnstown, PA to John Baker and Nellie Bell Baker on December 13, 1927, the youngest of four children. She attended Johnstown High School, where she met the love of her life, Lee Martin Mayer. They were married on October 9, 1949, and were best friends and soul mates until his death in 2002. She never took off her wedding ring. Jo worked as a legal secretary until the birth of her first daughter, then retired and became a full-time mom and helpmate. Lee's job with General Motors required several relocations and each time Mom bloomed where she was planted and made lifelong friends. She especially loved living in Altoona and their final home together for 42 years, Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Blessed with intellectual curiosity and a love of learning, Jo read everything she could find. She worked the New York Times crossword puzzle in pen (including Sunday) and could run every category in Jeopardy. Jo enjoyed classical music and the opera and regularly attended musical events in Pittsburgh with her best friend, Colleen Burkhardt. A lifelong Presbyterian, Jo sang soprano in the choir of every church she ever belonged to. Mom loved sports. Many nights she and Dad could be found on the back porch listening to Bob Prince broadcast Pirate baseball. She was also a proud member of Steelers Nation and an ardent Penguins supporter. Mom was a fan of history and was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonel William Wallace Chapter. A dignified lady, Jo appreciated good manners, proper grammar and thank you notes. She was skilled at bridge, both teaching and playing well into her 70s. Animals had a special place in Mom's heart. She always had a pet and especially loved Oscar dog and Charlie cat. Mom taught by example the importance of caring for loved ones and giving back to the community, which she did by participating in community service events through Garden City Women's Club, Garden City pool, and Garden City Fire Company #6. Mom was a hospital volunteer at Forbes Regional from the day they opened their doors until she retired 25 years later. In her last year, mom enjoyed sitting on the back deck with warm winds blowing and the sun on her face, listening to the birds. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee; her parents; brother, George; and sisters, Anne and Gertrude. Jo is survived by her daughters, Donna Mann Belt and Karen Mayer; son-in-law, Dr. Tom Belt; grandchildren, Sean Mann and Katherine Mann; brother-in-law, Joe Mayer and wife, Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved. We will all miss Jo's keen wit, sharp intellect, and love of all living creatures. Memorials in her name may be made to Hillcrest United Presbyterian Church, 1622 James St., Monroeville, PA 15146 or The Fund for Animals, online at Blackbeautyranch.org. A celebration of Jo's life is scheduled for March 18, 2014, at Noon at Hillcrest United Presbyterian Church, Monroeville, PA. A luncheon will follow at Garden City Fire Company #6 in Monroeville. Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
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