Mary Jo McKenney Hajducek was born June 9, 1941 to Josephine Rae Coleman and Hubert Francis McKenny, in Humboldt, Kansas. She passed away on August 15, 2024 in Edmond, OK at the age of 83 years old.
Josephine (Jo) later married Frank P. Hoover and the family moved to Tulsa, OK where Mary Jo would attend and graduate from Central High School in 1959.
Mary Jo married William John Short and had two children. She would later marry Frank Hajducek and gain 2 additional daughters.
Mary Jo was a devoted mother and active in her children’s lives. Her duties ranged from leading Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops to coaching softball, leading the sports boosters and band boosters. She was one of the most feared (and respected) substitute teachers to walk in the classroom. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren to take advantage of opportunities and go after their dreams.
She worked for several years at Smithco in Tulsa, worked part time at the local newspaper The Mannford Eagle, then re-entered the work force full time at Central Parking Services in Tulsa where she stayed until she retired in 2015.
Mary Jo played the piano and organ for many years at Mannford First United Methodist Church then Mannford First Baptist Church. After retiring, she moved to Edmond, OK and became active in the choir at First United Methodist Church. She loved singing, playing the piano and the organ. She also volunteered her time helping students at Sunset Elementary sharpen their reading skills, worked at Project 66 Food and Resource Center and helped care for pets of the homeless at the Oklahoma City Homeless Alliance.
In addition to music, she enjoyed water skiing, sewing, gardening and helping others. She loved animals.
Mary Jo loved a good tradition. Every year at Thanksgiving, she would put the sweet potatoes with the marshmallows on top under the broiler to toast them. Every year they caught fire. Always seemed like a surprise but was enjoyed by all.
She is survived by her son Marcus John Short of Tulsa, daughter Kimberley Patricia Short Morey and son- in- law Stephen Morey of Edmond, daughters Debra Ellen Hajducek Enabnit and son- in- law James Enabnit of Tucson, AZ, Pamela Jean Hajducek Fournier and son- in- law Michael Fournier of Broken Arrow. Grandchildren Max Short, Sophia Short, Sam Short, Zach Morey (Samantha), Adam Morey, Nick Morey, Amy Enabnit Tyler (Dion), Kasey Enabnit, Laurie Enabnit Hester (Sam), Angela Fournier Franco (Joe), Jackie Fournier Kueny (Steven) as well as 8 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brother Hubert Francis McKenney of Virginia Beach.
Mary Jo had a strong Christian faith which led to her positive outlook on life. She would look for the best in a situation. She is remembered by many as “one of a kind” and that, she certainly was. She will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Stonecreek Edmond Assisted Living and Lifespring Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Mary Jo to www.thestreetdogcoalitiion.org
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Matthews Funeral Home.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
My condolences to Mary Jo’s friends and family – she was loved by so many….
May the sweet memories of your times with Mary Jo strengthen and comfort you during this time of loss.
I always enjoyed Mary Jo and Marc’s “witty banter” when I went to their house as a kid. She was definitely a lovable character. She will be missed.
David Swezey
Mary Jo , I’m going to miss you so much ! Thank you for the lovely memories & time we laugh together, Our lunch trips, happy hour gossip!! I can hear you say ! ( You got it kid) 😊 R.I.P my friend. Love always , Courtland