Mary Jo Beckett

Mary Jo Beckett (Renwick), 75, of Oakmont, passed away peacefully in her home on July 3rd with her two sons present by her side.

Mary Jo was born on August 13th, 1946, in Pensacola, Florida. She was the first of five children of Edward and Helen (Hubbs) Renwick. Growing up in a navy family, Mary Jo enjoyed the experience of moving regularly. She often spoke about her time living in places like Florida, New York, and Bermuda. She returned to Bermuda, her favorite of those locations, twice in her life after childhood, enjoying the clear blue water and the ability to travel the island by moped. She graduated from Norwin High School in 1964.  She lived with her family in Sarver until 1990 then in Lower Burrell in custom homes designed by her and her husband.  Later in life, she moved to Irwin in 2005 and then to Oakmont in 2016.

Mary Jo was an excellent mother, grandmother, family member, and friend to all she knew. She was absolutely selfless, putting the needs of family members and friends before any needs of her own. To all that knew her, this is perhaps what they will remember most about her, this selflessness and unconditional love. Whether volunteering to babysit, providing stout financial advice, or just being a sounding board for those who needed to talk, Mary Jo was there for anyone who needed her.

Mary Jo spent her working life as a banker and retirement specialist at Parkvale Savings Bank. She enjoyed numbers and financial data, and she was held in high esteem from those with whom she worked.  She enjoyed collecting antiques and snowmen figurines, researching her family history, reading books from her favorite authors, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, movies, lighthouses, the music of Barbra Streisand, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her late husband, Robert (Bob) Lee Beckett. The two were deeply in love, and the untimely loss of Bob was very tragic for Mary Jo and the rest of the family. Bob was deeply cherished by all who knew him. Mary Jo is survived by two children. Her eldest Douglas, his wife Cassandra, their daughter McKayla and son Lucas. Her youngest son Michael, his wife Nicole, and their daughter Vivian. Mary Jo is also survived by three younger siblings, Susan Renwick, Edward Renwick (Judy), and James Renwick (Patty). Mary Jo lost her dear sister Jody Bonatesta in 2019. The two devoted themselves to one another during very difficult times, and Mary Jo helped prolong Jody’s life during her difficult battle with cancer. Aside from caring for all of her family, Mary Jo cherishes her role in Jody’s life as a defining part of her legacy.

Mary Jo will be missed and remembered by many. Family and friends will be received on Friday, July 8th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Kepple-Graft Funeral Home 524 N.Main Street, Greensburg. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home on Saturday, July 9th at noon. Entombment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park. For online condolences, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.