Mary Jo Szabo

Mary Jo Szabo, 61, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Raclin House, Center for Hospice, surrounded by her family.

Mary Jo was born on December 5, 1964 in South Bend to Joseph and Joan Lach Szabo.  Her father preceded her in death along with a sister Leslie Jo Szabo Dudeck, and brother-in-law Darwin Shipley. .

Surviving are her mother Joan Szabo, her loving companion Helmut Forstinger, daughter Kerry and son Eli., sister Victoria Shipley, brother Joseph Szabo, nephews Adam & Yari Shipley, Aaron & Stephanie Shipley, Alan Shipley, Vince Dudeck & Shannon Schock, Brett Dudeck, great nephews Anthony Shipley, Aaron Shipley Jr., great nieces Nissi Shipley, Addison Shipley, Brooke Shipley Cecilia Dudeck.

Mary was a devout animal lover, free spirit, and brutally honest at times but was Always enjoyed by her family and everyone around her.  She was a fighter and fought her Cancer fearlessly till her last breath. Any donation made to the Human Society or Center for Hospice in her name, would be something that she would appreciate and approve.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 with a gathering from 12-2pm in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue and services beginning at 2:00pm.  To leave an online condolence, visit our website http://www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

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