Mary Jo Minor

Mary Jo Minor lived a life defined by faith, family, and quiet dedication to her family, friends and her career. Born on December 20, 1926, she grew up in Buckley, Washington during a time that shaped her strong work ethic and steady spirit, qualities that would guide her throughout her 99 years of life. She passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy woven deeply into the lives of those she loved.

In 1948, Mary Jo graduated from Washington State College, now known as Washington State University, where she earned degrees in chemistry and pharmacy. A huge accomplishment at a time when relatively few women chose that path. Her family was a bit ahead of their time with a nurse for a mother and three sisters, all who shared careers in pharmacy.  

As a pharmacist, Mary Jo served her community with knowledge, integrity, and compassion. She believed in caring for the whole person, offering not just prescriptions but reassurance and kindness to those she assisted. She was also a woman of conviction who in life and in the workplace stood up for what was right. When faced with pay inequities, she advocated for equal pay for herself and her coworkers—and succeeded. Her quiet strength and determination left a lasting impact on those around her.

At the heart of Mary Jo’s life was her family. She shared a devoted marriage with her husband, Jack Minor, building a home centered on love and faith. Together they raised five children: Debbie Mann (Mike); Chris Minor (Gloria); Dan Minor (Kathy); John Minor (Kammy); and Jim Minor (Tyler); instilling in each of them the values of hard work, responsibility, accountability, and devotion to family.

Her joy was multiplied with the gift of her grandchildren: Jake Bolender; Pat Bolender; Julianna Mann; Kylie Minor Fultz (Jake); Jack Minor; Jason Minor; Matt Minor (who proceeded her in death); Nick Minor (Amanda); Ragan Minor; Dominique Minor; and Alina Minor. She delighted in their stories, achievements, and milestones. She was further blessed with three great-grandchildren: Brooks and Lucas Minor and Henry Fultz, who brought even more light to her later years. Whether at family gatherings, holiday celebrations or quiet one on one visits, Mary Jo’s presence was steady and reassuring, a matriarch whose love anchored generations.

Mary Jo possessed a quick wit and a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could easily catch you off guard in the best possible way. She was sharp, observant, and never missed an opportunity for a perfectly timed comment. Beneath her practical exterior was a creative spirit. She had an artistic eye and generously shared her talents once even creating all of the chalkboard borders for her daughter’s fourth-grade classroom while balancing the demands of her professional career and family life. She wrote poems simply for the joy of it, as well as, to poke a little fun at people or events that piqued her interest. She was a voracious reader and appreciated life’s simple pleasures, including a good cheeseburger, a well-earned nap or a summer barbeque with close friends.

Despite a demanding career, Mary Jo made time to help at her children’s school and to be present in the everyday moments that mattered most. She modeled independence, faith, and perseverance for her children and grandchildren. She led not only with words but by example demonstrating that faith, intellect, humor, and courage can all coexist beautifully in one life.  

Her Catholic faith was the foundation and soul of her life. A lifelong Catholic, Mary Jo was active at Holy Rosary Parish in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and later at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Meridian, Idaho. She found strength and joy in the sacraments, in prayer, and in serving alongside her parish community. Her faith was something she lived as a devoted Third Order Carmelite and it was reflected in her humility, generosity, and unwavering trust in God.

Mary Jo will be remembered for her steadfast devotion, her gentle strength, and the quiet example she set every day. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her love and a community blessed by her service.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Apostles in Meridian, Idaho on February 27, 2026. A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. with Mass following at 11:00.

Lastly, a very special thank you to the caregivers and nurses from Keystone Hospice and Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village for the loving care they provided Mary Jo over the last few years.