Obituary of Mary Jo VanSkiver

MaryJo VanSkiver, age 66, died peacefully, surrounded by her husband and children early afternoon Wednesday October 18th 2023.
MaryJo, JoJo, Joey, Queenie was the life and light of the party. Whenever she walked into a room she would make sure everyone knew she was there with the biggest smile and best laugh. Making people laugh by cracking a joke or acting silly was the name of the game, and she was the best.
Jo loved to reminisce about the old days, working at St. James hospital where she made many friends in her 40 years as a nurses aid. They called her the enema queen, Queenie, for her ability to make the shittiest situation a laughable moment.
Between her two work families you were bound to see and recognize her smiling face. She shared the evenings with her Walmart family, making jokes while zoning HBA, cosmetics she shared smiles and laughs with all.
The love of her life, Duke, Duane VanSkiver, married for 43 years, their love everlasting. Frustrated as they could make each other, each night they kissed goodnight, and said I love you.
Her firstborn, her daughter, KatiJo (Andrew) Seaman ( HattieJo, CeceliaJo, ToreeJo), she loved and protected always, so much like each other they are. They shared a bond only a mother and daughter could have, one of love.
Zachary (Nichole)Vanskiver (Elliott), her son, her baby boy. She showed him how to be a good, kind and caring man. The love of a mother and son absolute, ready made best friends. Nicki, daughter in law, chosen daughter. Trusted in each other to be true, honest, make the hard choices.
Nana, is a title she wore proudly and made sure to point out to everyone she came across. She leaves 3 wonderful granddaughters, HattieJo Seaman, CeceliaJo Seaman and ToreeJo(Paisley) Seaman. Nana had a unique, special and loving bond with each, her girls, her world. She was endlessly proud of the women they are becoming.
Her grandson Elliott VanSkiver, her boy. Her smiles, funny faces made him laugh the belly laughs only baby's who are loved and spoiled by an amazing grandma can have.
Joey's brother Thomas(Judith) Hess(Erica, Jason), advice giver, project completor, beloved older brother, Tommy. Judi, her caring and kind sister in law saw that brother and sister remained close, sisters in themselves.
Jo's sister Sandy (Bob) Estey (Marcy, Heather) older sister and confidante. Sharing the growth of their families together through the years, sisters bonded forever.
Christine Hess (Tiffany, Sarah) little sister.
Jo's little brother William, Billy, Hess (Samantha, Savannah, Josh) her tag along in childhood. Baby brother that annoyed and loved her the most.
Jo's family made her who she was. Anyone that knew her knew that if you were her friend then you were her family. Her many aunts, uncles, cousins, neices, nephews, sisters and brothers in laws and friends created a community of love. Built on a woman who gave everything she could to and for others, even just to cheer them up with a laugh. A wonderful woman who is dearly missed.
The family would like to invite all her family, coworkers and friends to Bender-Brown and Powers funeral home in Hornell on Tuesday October 24th from 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7pm for calling hours. There will be no funeral to follow, a celebration of life will be held early May 2024.