Mary Jo (Swartz) Plencner

Mary Jo Plencner, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025.  Born on August 9, 1934, in South Bend to Frank and Camilia (Nowak) Swartz, Mary Jo lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love.  On September 3, 1955 she married Jerome A. Plencner, and together they shared 60 years of marriage before his passing on February 17, 2015.

Mary Jo is survived by her six devoted children, daughters Vicky Plencner, Therese (Mike) Pajor, and Mary Frances (Adam) Hertel, and sons Kenneth (Noreen) Plencner, Scott (Doris) Plencner and Christopher (Jennifer) Plencner. 

She was a loving grandmother to eleven grandchildren, Ashley, Samantha, Tyler, Matthew, Kyle, Matthew, Sabrina, Luke, Alyssa, Kayla, and Claire; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Kasen, Leo, Harlan, Nola, Joey, Willow, Lilliana, Jackson, Braxton, Hailey, Camden, Liam, and Gabe. 

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marcia Deren, and her sister, Mardell (Tom) Fermi, with whom she shared a lifelong bond that distance never diminished.

Mary Jo graduated from Mishawaka High School and loved to recall her days as a member of the Coquettes girls club and how she met her future husband, Jerry, who offered her a ride home after a dance one evening.  That simple gesture marked the beginning of a love story that would span decades and leave behind a legacy of cherished memories for her family.

A devoted member of Holy Family Church, Mary Jo found great joy singing in the choir and her time spent as a Eucharistic Minister providing communion to hospital patients after Sunday Mass.  Mary Jo’s deep and enduring love for Jesus was a constant source of strength throughout her life.

Mary Jo enjoyed trying her luck at the casino, watching countless game shows, and spending time at the family cottage in Hesperia, Michigan.  But above all, her greatest joy came from time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Holy Family Church.  Family and friends may gather from 10:00am until services in the church.  Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ascent Hospice in honor of Mary Jo’s memory and spirt of care.

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