Mary Jo Godinich
Mary Jo Godinich brought so much joy, laughter and unconditional love to all. On August 1st, 2022, Mary Jo passed from this earthly life and was greeted by her parents and so many other loved ones at the gates of Heaven. What do you say about someone who was so much to so many? Mary Jo was the definition of a faithful servant. She loved her family fiercely and was everybody’s “one phone call.” She had the most infectious laugh and hugs that soothed any troubled heart. She radiated love. She was an amazing friend, sister, co-worker, and all-around person. As a nurse, she spent her life’s work taking care of others. She had many titles; Nana and Maimee being just two. But her favorite title was always “mom.” Her children were the true loves of her life.
Born December 22, 1965 in Galveston, Texas to James and Joyce Heffernan, she was a very proud Galvestonian. She graduated from O’Connell High School, where she was crowned homecoming queen, in 1983. She attended nursing school at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1991. She started her career as a Labor and Delivery nurse and has also worked as a nurse consultant, school nurse, director of case management and most recently, a regional quality nurse.
Survived by her son: Joseph Aloysius Godinich III, daughter: Caitlin O’Neal, son-in-law: Jordan O’Neal, granddaughter Harper O’Neal, brothers: Kelly Heffernan (Tammy), Jim Heffernan (Carrie) and Sean Heffernan. Her second mom: Eileen Townsend, sister-cousins: Flo Adkins (Paul), Beth Yorlano (Andy), brother-cousins: Joe Townsend (Tyann), Zach Townsend (Luna) and aunt: Kathy Pero (Mike). Her nieces and nephews include Dominic Yorlano, Ryan Heffernan, Blaine Heffernan, Riley Heffernan, Kellyn Heffernan, Heather Kuehl, Peyton Goodwin, Aubrey Goodwin, Colton Adkins, Jake Townsend and Owen Townsend. She leaves behind countless other family and friends, who considered Mary Jo part of their family, like her bonus sisters, Monica Bear and Terry Seagroves.
Services will be held Saturday, 8/6/2022 at Crowder Funeral Home (WEBSTER LOCATION) at 111 E. Medical Center Blvd in Webster, TX 77598. The visitation will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the service beginning at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the services at La Brisa Mexican Grill, 501 N. Wesley Dr. in League City, TX.
If you would like to send flowers, please contact Bennett Floral in Galveston, TX (409-763-8622). In lieu of flowers, Mary Jo and her family request that any donations be sent to MD Anderson Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Mary Jo will truly be missed. Prayers to the family. Caitlin and Joey love you much!!
One of a kind!Truly the laugh and fun of the party!Gone way to soon but always will remember the great times😍 see ya on the other side
Mary Jo was one of a kind. She did radiate love. I will miss her. 💔
Beautiful lady in the truest sense. ❤️ Love you Caitlin and Joey.
There are some who bring light to this world so bright that even after they are gone, their light remains!! Mary Jo’s light and love will shine on in everyone she loved and who loved her. I will miss my sweet, funny amazing friend. ❤️
Mary Jo was an amazing person and will be missed by those of us that are left to move on without her. I am sure that she is definitely helping those in heaven to get things straightened out. She is helping folks with their hair and picking out which heels look best with their Angel attire!!
She will work tirelessly to help everyone and comfort those in need!
This pains me to the very core of my Heart! Mary Jo reminded me of my wife Melanie
How friendly and kind always that smile to great you but most of all how she took care of her family and friends first before herself ! My prayers to Joey and Caitlin and all the FAMILY ! God speed Mary Jo 🧡
Our sweet MJ, beautiful on the inside and out. She is so dearly missed. Sending love, hugs and prayers to all her loved ones.
I worked with Mary Jo for 6 years at Kindred Hospital in Clear Lake. She was one of my most favorite people. When I was diagnosed with cancer she was a tremendous support to me. I was so sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to her family.
MaryJo you will truly be missed. You were always such a bright light in my life. I love you dearly and will pray for your family’s healing.
I am so sorry and send my deepest condolences to her children & family. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Heaven gained an amazing Angel that will continue to love & guide you all.
Mary Jo or MJ as so many of us knew her, was a bright star in so many lives. She was my Director of Case Mgmt at Woman’s Hospital but she was so much more…a true friend. With a smile that could light up a room and a heart bigger than Texas. She loved all of her staff like family. I will love you and miss you forever MJ….until we meet again. May your family find peace and comfort in so many precious memories.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Mary Jo’s family. You will truly be missed my friend. Love and hugs, Frances DiBartolo-Lucia and family
Mary Jo was such a giving soul. She was my director at Women’s Hospital and I could not have asked for a better person to guide me through case management. The world was more beautiful with her in it. Rest easy sweet friend…we will all meet again. Prayers for your beautiful family! ✝️
My deepest condolences to Mary Jo’s entire family! Mary Jo was an amazing woman! She was one of the kindest most caring people I have ever had the opportunity to know! Caitlin and Joey she was your “Supermom”
I witnessed it myself! She was taken way too soon . She will live forever in our hearts, we have so many precious memories! She was and will continue to be loved, and missed by so many! Caitlin & Joey, I will always be here for you if you ever need anything! 💞💞
MJ is one of a kind. She had an impact on people wherever she went. She came to TWHT to be my boss and became my dear friend. We all can learn a lesson from MJ about what it means to be a friend. I will never forget her friendship, nurturing and infectious laugh. I love you MJ. I wish peace for your kids and family as they cope with such a irreplaceable loss. We will think of you especially when we are drinking margaritas.
My heart is aching since hearing of Mary Jo’s unexpected passing. Everyone who knew her loved her dearly! I’ll never forget her beautiful smile and contagious laugh! See you later, sweet friend! Prayers for the family and friends left behind.
Be still my soul! Mary Jo! Words fail me! We are now left to move on without you. Rest in peace my dear friend, boss and mentor. It is well!!! It is well!!!. To the family, may your memories comfort you! She will be greatly missed!
Deepest condolences to all family and friends, for the loss of this wonderful person. Our sympathies are with you all.
The Romanyck family, of Winnipeg (aunt Dorothy, uncle Lawrence, cousin Dave)
So sad for the loss of your loved one.❤️
Denise Emmitte Byrd
From looking up to you as a beautiful dancer at Patsy Phipps when we were young, to admiring the mother and grandmother you were to your babies and grandbaby, I’ll certainly miss you, Mary Jo. Sending love and prayers for comfort to Caitlin, Joey, Jordan and Harper.
My deepest condolences to Mary Jo’s family. I was sadden to hear of her passing. She always had a smile and was eager to help! She will be missed.
Mary Jo had a zest for life, more so than anyone I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our prayers are with beautiful her family, and with her incredible community family in Galveston and Harris Counties. Will always love and remember the dancers, teachers and Dance Moms and Dads, circa 1995-2007💕!
Mary Jo was such a great person inside and out. You will be missed! Give my family kisses and hugs from us! Fly high sweet friend!
I am so sorry for Mary Jo’s family, co-workers and her lifelong best friends who I know are grieving her loss in a way many can’t comprehend. It is my prayer that you will feel surrounded by the love of Christ Jesus as you navigate the seemingly impossible days to come, and that you will feel comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and Savior! Cherish your memories, they will live in your hearts until you meet her again!
Mary Jo was a shining star and would brighten your day whenever you saw her. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Caitlin and Joey your mom was one of the best lady’s I have ever know and she will be missed. Please take care if we can ever do anything for you, please let us know. Love to you both.
Our sincerest condolences for all of you at this time. You have our deepest sympathy. Wishing you all peace, comfort, and lots of love at this time of
sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I will always remember Mary Jo’s kindness, humor, support, and her love for her family and friends. It was truly a pleasure to have met her, and she will definitely be missed. My prayers and condolences to her family and many friends.
What a beautiful soul whose bright light will never be extinguished! Lifting her family and friends up in prayer as they mourn the loss of Mary Jo ✝️
What a beautiful spirit both inside and out! So thankful to have had the opportunity to know and love you! You will truly be missed dear friend. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your beautiful family.
My condolences to the Godinich and Heffernan Families to Mary Jo’s passing .
She was always a very kind and caring person at O’Connell when I knew her.
Sincerely,
Bobby Schwager
My deepest sympathy to Mary Jo’s family. She was such a wonderful person, inside and out. So sweet and funny too. She was a rare gem, in all the best ways.
My deepest sympathy to Mary Jo’s family. She was a shining light, so sweet and kind.
A rare gem, in all the best ways.
My deepest sympathies to the Heffernan and Godinich families, Caitlyn and Joey, Monica and Terry….Let her love be a lesson to you all ….love one another and hold each relationship close….God bless
I was sorry to hear about her passing, We were colleagues at UTMB where we were both nurses in different practices, and although we were not on a close basis, I always thought about her charming personality and kindness to others. It is a late message but I pray she found eternal rest and peace.