Mary Jo Manguso (Mitchel), January 16, 1945 - April 28, 2017

Mary Jo Mitchel, born January 16th, 1945, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28th, 2017. Mary Jo was a loved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also loved by many friends and students of hers from over the years. Mary Jo had a passion for education. She taught math at Terrace Hills Middle School in the 70's and 80's, she was Director of Plato Academy, a school that helped high school dropouts get their degree, and she also was Director of ACT-NOW, a teacher certification school. Mary Jo was a member of MENSA, the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world, since 1979. She was the matriarch of our family, always had an open ear for listening and quick to tell you her thoughts also. Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 39 years, J.C. Mitchel; her son, Joachim II and grandsons Joachim III, Jonathan, and Armando; her brother Gusty Manguso; her nieces Lisa and Lettie, and many cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Herman and Josephine Manguso, and her sister Lita Campbell. As to her wishes, she was cremated and will have her ashes spread atop the Franklin Mountains. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Las Palmas Medical Center for all their help, the wonderful staff at Davita and the amazing home health staff at La Familia. LEARN, LIVE, and LOVE.

Published in El Paso Times from May 27 to Jun. 3, 2017.

We're living in a world of stars and dust
Between heaven 'n all that surrounds us
We're travellers here, spirits passing through
And the love we give, is all that will endure
Just like a rose after the rain
Something beautiful remains
Tears will leave no stains
Time will ease the pain
For every life that fades
Something beautiful remains

Significant lyric from Something Beautiful Remains