Mary Jo (Loresch) Palmer

Of Wilkins Twp., age 84, formerly of Oakmont, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 10, 2024, 2 days before her 85th birthday.

Mary Jo was born on March 12, 1939, a daughter of Joseph and Lyda (Skelley) Topping of Squirrel Hill.

She was the beloved wife of the late Denis M. (previously Palguta) Palmer for 59 wonderful years.

Mary Jo was the loving and caring mother of Elizabeth Palmer, Deborah (Robert) DerAshodian, Barbara Palmer, Sara (Michael) Medjimorec and Susan (Scott) Allman.

She was the adored “Nunnie” of Dana (Matthew) Ashworth, Denis Matthew (Hallie) Egidio, Brooke DerAshodian, Megan, Marissa and Mackenzie Medjimorec and her grand-dog, Sundance.

Mary Jo was the cherished “Great-Nunnie” of Seda and Kaden Ashworth and Penelope Jo Egidio.

She was the sister of Nancy (late Gary) Lewis, Lyda (late Richard) Wiesmore, Barbara Farber and John Loresch.

She was also survived by treasured nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was a 1957 graduate of Oakmont High School and a 1960 graduate of the Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing. She loved being a nurse and was employed at West Penn Hospital for many years before transitioning to home health nursing care.

In retirement she enjoyed engaging with her book club, knitting, solving jigsaw puzzles, painting ceramic creations, gardening, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

Mary Jo often remarked that she had 4 different last names during her life: her birth father’s name ‘Topping’, her step-father’s surname ‘Loresch’, Denis’ birth name ‘Palguta’, and finally Denis’ changed name, ‘Palmer’,  but she only married once!

Mary Jo will be missed by all of her family and friends.

There will not be a visitation.

Friends are welcome to her Mass of Chrisitan Burial on Friday, March 15, at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church (Christ the King Parish), 342 Dorseyville Rd., O’Hara Twp.

Mary Jo will be laid to rest in Mt. Royal Cemetery.

Arrangements with Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home, East Pittsburgh 412-824-8800.