Mary Jo Busse
June 2, 1930 – September 22, 2024
Mary Jo Busse was born June 2, 1930, to Joseph and Marie Lipichok. She was the oldest of their three children. She graduated from St. Wenceslaus Grade School and St. Mary High School in 1948. Mary worked in the kitchen at St. Joseph Hospital and eventually became a transcriptionist in the pathology lab. She married John R. Busse in 1951. They moved to Westgate and were founding members of St. Joan of Arc. She was a homemaker and helped raise their four children. Later in life, Mary worked for Northwest/Hancock Fabrics.
Mary volunteered her time in many ways. She led a local girls 4-H club. After some of her children started skating lessons through 4-H, Mary and John volunteered to teach figure skating through the 4-H program. She took adult skating classes through the Figure Skating Club of Omaha and later, she became the president of the club. Mary volunteered at Mercy Care Center, where she helped raise money for the facility by selling crafts made by the residents and other volunteers. For many years she donated food for Siena Francis House through St. Joan of Arc. She also helped with their funeral luncheons.
Mary loved all animals, especially cats. She grew up in a house where there was always a cat. Later, she had two Siamese cats, Ting and Ling. Along with the live cats, she had a collection of cat objects: statues, stuffed toys, calendars and more.
Her hobbies included sewing and gardening. Mary sewed clothing for herself and other family members. Later, she started quilting and made mostly quilted and appliqued wall hangings. She enjoyed gardening both inside and out. Mary grew many tropical plants in her greenhouse, especially a large collection of African violets.
Mary passed away peacefully on September 22. 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marie Lipichok; husband, John R. Busse; and brother, Joseph Lipichok.
Mary is survived by her sons, John, Richard and James Busse; daughter, Therese Busse; sister, Anne Neidlich; grandchildren, Tyler and Nicholas Busse; and nieces and nephews.
VISITATION: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel. 7805 West Center Road, ROSARY at 7:00 p.m.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 3122 S. 74th Street.
INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the Nebraska Humane Society or Siena Francis House.
To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at top of the home page.
2 Comments
Please accept my condolences. A mothter’s love does not leave when she passes. It is stamped on your heart and soul. Once the bitterness of the loss eases, that love will still be there shining brightly for all of your days. May your mother rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to John and Mary’s children and family. I met John in the Seventies, when we worked on many photo projects. I met Mary soon after. They were wonderful people, kind and generous and fun. I too lived in Westgate and together we all weathered the infamous ‘75 tornado. Although our professional connection ended long ago, our friendship never did. I thought of them both many many times over the years. I am sorry we have lost their physical presence but know we will never lose the memories. May those memories ease the pain of your loss. With love and prayers, Lorraine Boyd.
Sign Guestbook