Mary Jo Waxler

Mary Jo was love.

She enjoyed every minute of life, she connected people and was quick to make you laugh. Everyone was welcome in her world.

We can’t imagine being without her because she brought so much LIFE to life itself.

Mary Jo was born in 1950 to Walter and Rosalie Jaskula. She grew up in Bartlett, Illinois, with her siblings Patti, Jim and Anne Marie, all attending Catholic schools and growing up across from the church. Strong values were instilled in Mary Jo from the beginning, and she learned the importance of giving, and doing for others.

After high school, Mary Jo moved to Hermosa Beach, California in the early 1970’s to live near her sister, Patti. A lover of music and dance, Mary Jo was a frequent participant and winner in dance competitions, and she gathered many friends during her time on the west coast. Some of her best stories were from this time in her life.

California led her to a man named Allen, who she married and started a family with, raising their loving son, Jeffery. Allen passed at a young age, and Mary Jo dedicated her life to Jeff, allowing him to become the wonderful man he is today. Both Mary Jo and her mother, Rosalie, made sure Jeff was surrounded with love, animals, family and friends.

Back in the Midwest, Mary Jo and Jeff built a life, and eventually she met the man of her dreams, Bruce Waxler. Mary Jo and Bruce quickly grew to be friends and fell madly in love, and were married at their church, Living Lord in Bartlett. And for 25 years, Mary Jo and Bruce exemplified what a loving marriage should be. It was always “Mar and Bruce”, “Bruce and Mar.” You never said one without the other. Inseparable. They complimented each other. And sometimes competed for who laughed the loudest. There was so much happiness and joy.

Bruce and Mary Jo joined families, Jeff becoming siblings with Bruce’s children, Bradley, Matt and Jamie. And their family unit was complete.

In Bartlett, Mary Jo and Bruce lived close to Mary Jo’s younger sister, Anne Marie. Mary Jo and Anne were as close as two sisters can be. Matriarchs supporting each other and their families, unifying the entire group, organizing gatherings and holidays, creating new memories and honoring traditions. Caring for their mother, Rosalie, after the passing of their father, Walter, both sisters supported the family and kept everyone connected.

As the children grew, Mary Jo and Bruce became beloved grandparents to Matthew’s daughter, Madigan, and Jamie’s two sons, Maddox and Tully.

Mar saw the best in everyone. She knew that everyone has something to offer, knowledge to share. Everyone counted with her. She never met a stranger, just friends she hadn’t spoken to yet.

She was the first to put people at ease, even when walking into a house full of Jaskulas and Waxlers.

Her kindness was contagious and she was the most loyal friend you could find.

We're grateful for every day Mary Jo fought to be with us—brightening every room with her unmistakable sparkle, her infectious laugh, and her endlessly warm and loving heart. God gave us an angel in Mary Jo, and though she is in heaven now, she will live on forever in our hearts.

Now it is time to carry on her legacy. Laugh more. Listen carefully. Care for others and be the first friend to someone who needs one.

Love like Mary Jo loved.




Mary Jo Waxler, nee Jaskula, 70, of Bartlett and formerly of Hermosa Beach, Ca. and Cincinnati, Oh. Beloved wife of J. Bruce; cherished mom of Jeff Dorman, Bradley (Amy) Waxler, Matt (Rebecca) Waxler and Jamie (Alan) Dean; dear sister of James (Jo) Jaskula, Anne (Gregory) Sturwold and the late Patricia Heider; loving grandma of Madigan, Maddox and Tully. Mary Jo is also missed terribly by Rosie, her dog. Cremation will be private. Memorial visitation will be private, but will be broadcast live on Facebook. Visit Countryside Funeral Home's Facebook page, "like" us, and you will be able to observe. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300 Rockville, Maryland 20852 would be appreciated