BANGOR – Mary Jo Gripp, 69, died peacefully Jan. 8, 2010, surrounded by family and friends at her daughter’s home. She was born May 14, 1940, in Detroit, the daughter of Ronald F. and Bernadine (Schimick) Cushing. Mary Jo was a graduate of Highland High, Albuquerque, N.M., Class of 1958. She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Robert F. Gripp, July 1, 1959, in Germany. They traveled extensively throughout Europe while he served in the U.S. Air Force. They moved to Maine in 1963. She began her career in administration at James A. Taylor Osteopathic Hospital, Bangor, in 1964, where she worked for 26 years. She then became the director of human resources at Down East Community Hospital, Machias, until she retired in 2006. During her career, she served as a member of the American Osteopathic Association and was a notary public for 14 years. Mary Jo enjoyed reading, sewing, warm sunshine and most of all, watching her two grandchildren grow. She was a strong believer that home and family always came first. Mary Jo was a dearly loved mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed greatly. Surviving are her daughter, Stephanie (Gripp) Paradis and her husband, Raymond, of Bangor; two grandchildren, Steven and Taylor Leighton of Bangor; and best friend of 45 years, Brenda Peters and her husband, Jimmy, of Eddington. In keeping with Mary Jo’s wishes, there will be a private ceremony in the spring. Those who wish to remember Mary Jo in a special way may make donations to Bangor Humane Society, 693B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401. A service of Brookings-Smith, Bangor.
MARY JO GRIPP
