Mary Jo Schoening

Mary Jo Schoening, 77, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Midwest Senior Care Center in Galena. Her funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, located at 425 Riverside Rd. in Belvidere, IL. Friends are welcome to gather from 9 AM until the start of the service. Mary Jo was born on August 9, 1947, in Chicago to Frank and Madalyn (Hoover) Maggio. She was raised in Park Ridge, IL, where her family home was the site of many parties and celebrations with their large extended family. Mary Jo continued her parents’ legacy of hospitality throughout her life. In 1974, she welcomed her daughter, Katie. Mary Jo and Katie’s father, Corby Nanay, later parted ways. Katie was the joy of their marriage. Mary Jo had a long career with Illinois Bell, later known as Ameritech, working as a customer service representative. Upon retirement, she started her own company, Solutions for You, providing customer service training to corporations, including Ameritech and Nordstrom. Her outgoing personality and gift of gab made it easy for Mary Jo to make friends with everyone she met. In 1992, Mary Jo found true happiness when she married Steve Schoening, who brought two stepdaughters, Jodi and Theresa, into their blended family. Mary Jo cherished her extended Schoening family. She was an active member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere for many years. Together, Mary Jo and Steve enjoyed adventures with their dear friends from the British Boots and Bonnets Car Club. They owned a home in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where they hosted family and friends for many years; Eagle River held a special place in her heart. Mary Jo lived with grace and courage through many adversities. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1986, she amazed doctors by refusing to let the disease define her life. She was often invited to speak to groups of people newly diagnosed with MS, as her positive attitude and strength inspired everyone she encountered. Although she faced the heartache of losing her parents, sister, and husband Steve, the greatest sorrow in her life was the death of her daughter Katie in 2018. The greatest joy for Mary Jo was her grandchildren: Sian, Quin, Stephanie, Matthew, and Madison. Her home near Rockford was filled with photos of her loved ones, and in her later years, she often shared pictures of them with anyone she met. Mary Jo considered it a “Hallmark Holiday Movie miracle” and a blessing when Katie’s husband, Chris, married Karen Burmeister. This union gifted her three more beautiful granddaughters: Rose, Grace, and Annie. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her daughter Katie, her husband Steve, her sister Kathy, and her parents. She is survived by her beloved stepdaughters, Jodi (Sal) and Theresa (Gary); son-in-law Chris (Karen); her grandchildren; and nieces Robin (Michael) and Amy. Mary Jo leaves behind many friends, especially her lifelong friend Mary Beth, with whom she was inseparable from their first day of high school. While we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with Katie, Steve, and all her loved ones, her absence will leave a significant void in our lives. Our family would like to thank the staff of Midwest Medical Senior Care for their assistance over the past four years, as well as the Lord of Love congregation for the friendship and support they have provided to Mary Jo since 2021. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to honor Mary Jo’s life by treating a friend to lunch or a pedicure. Memorials may be made in her name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.