Mary Jo Kobielski
October 29, 1967 – February 28, 2025
Suffered a massive heart attack at home on the evening on February 28th and the doctors were unable to save her.
Mary Jo was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. She had a heart full of love for her family and friends.
Survived by mother, Mary Ellen Mackenzie, life partner, Chris Rogers, Sr., children, Chris “Anthony” Rogers, Jr., Joellen J. Rogers, Camron A. Rogers, grandson, Carter A. Rogers, father-in-law, Charles Rogers, many cousins, 2nd cousins, friends, and her puppy, Diamond.
Preceded in death by father, Joseph R. Kobielski, III, stepfather, Charles “Skip” Mackenzie, grandparents, Leona Kobielski, Dan and Ellen Kinnally, mother-in-law, Bettye Rogers.
Memorial Service: Saturday, March 22nd, 11am at First Christian Church (6630 Dodge Street) with a luncheon to follow.
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Mary Jo loved the color purple and butterflies since she was a little girl. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Joe and Mary Ellen Kobielski. Her family lived in South Omaha until Mary Jo started 2nd grade when they moved to Millard where she continued her schooling, graduating from Millard North in 1985.
She had several jobs when she was younger, finally settling to work for Arby’s. She spent over 25 years there moving from an entry spot to Store Manager before retiring. She went to work for Multi-Vest Realty as an office manager answering the phone, keeping the books, and helping current and new tenants.
Mary Jo left there in 2022 when her health was taking too much of a toll on her. Her home had many stairs that she had trouble climbing and moved in with her mom in 2023. Together Mary Ellen and Mary Jo looked after each other. Mary Jo had several surgeries during that time and was looking forward to getting back to be able to easily walk again, without pain. Of the problems she had, her heart was never mentioned as having a problem. She went through a lot of pain and depression and spent most of her time in her bedroom resting and trying to recover.
Mary Jo and Chris had three beautiful children, Chris known by the family by his middle name “Anthony,” Joellen and Camron. The kids are now grown with Joellen having a son Carter who is 5 years old. When Joellen had Carter, she decided to continue to call her grandmother “Grandma” and her mom became “Mimi.” Carter was able to spend a lot of time with his Mimi and would spend most weekends and vacation time at Grandma and Mimi’s house.
Chris was out of Mary Jo’s life for a while but when he returned, he came to stay with her at our house. He mom hadn’t seen Mary Jo so happy in a long time, as she was with Chris back in her life. We’re so grateful for that happening.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
2 Comments
Im so sorry for your loss Mj was very loving and kind and she touch so many peoples lives I known Mary jo sonce our arby days I wouldnt be where i am without her guidance im truly sad that i lost a close friend! Im remeber all the talks we had im just going to miss Mj period to Joellen, Anthony and cameron and Mjs family im sorry for your loss she will truly be missed never forgotten prayers and much love to all of u guys
Mary Jo and I became the best of friends in elementary school. We spent a lot of summer days swimming in her family’s backyard pool. Mary Jo, I, Mary Maxwell, & Sheryl Short enjoyed palling around together and causing all kinds of mischief together. We were ftoends all through high-school and attended prom together. We lost touch after high-school and Mary Jo’s father passed away. We reconnected during a baby shower for her daughter Joelle. I was happy to meet Mary Jo’s wonderful children and Mary Ellen again. Mary Jo was a wonderful friend and she will be missed dearly by everyone that truely knew her. I am saddened that her life was cut short. She was blessed to have a wonderful family and friends that lived her dearly. RIP Me J. I will miss you, Stevie
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