Mary Frances (Mccormick) Joki

Born San Francisco, CA July 21, 1930 Died: Grants Pass, OR November 15, 2011

Mary Joki arrived in Grants Pass, Oregon as a young child in the 1930’s. The McCormick family home was established on property now occupied by the Grants Pass Library. Mary graduated as class Valedictorian from Grants Pass High School in 1948. She then went on to receive her undergraduate BA Degree in Education at Southern Oregon College (SOC) in 1953 followed by a Master’s Degree in Education.

In 1956, Mary met and married Arthur (Dude) Joki who was her life companion for over 50 years until his death in 2007. They lived in Grants Pass and resided in the same house on Cloverlawn Drive that they bought when they were first married, used to raise a family, and ultimately fulfilled their desire to spend the rest of their lives in that same home.

Mary taught elementary school classes for over 40 years for the Grants Pass Public School District beginning at the Old Riverside School. She then worked at the Redwood School prior to completing her teaching career at Allendale Elementary when she retired. Mary was a dedicated, caring, and well respected teacher who also worked directly with special education needs students. Over the decades, Mary delighted in the fact that she often taught successive generations from within the same families and was quoted to say prior to retirement “Choose a profession that you will enjoy for many years. And have fun . . . because life is too short.”

After her retirement from teaching, Mary enjoyed gardening, attending art and art history courses at Rogue Community College, and watching the stock market. She also loved yard sales, making home-made wine, her cats including her loyal friend ‘Babe’, and was an avid fan of major league baseball. She took great joy in spending time with family, old friends from the neighborhood, and new friends in her swim-therapy group at the YMCA.

Mary was known for her uplifting positive attitude, broad generosity, and being an incredible supporter and encourager of others. She lived a vibrant and full life with no regrets, took great pride in each of her family members, and was greatly admired by all those who were close to her. Mary will be deeply missed by her two children and their spouses, six grandchildren, her two sisters, all the associated in-laws, many nieces and nephews, her past students, and her countless friends.

Mary died as a result of complications from a recent surgery. She passed away in her own home and in the arms of her beloved daughter Elizabeth who had been caring for her during her recovery throughout the summer with the help of Elizabeth’s children. Over the last year, Mary never felt more loved, connected, cared for, and appreciated by friends and family. Mary passed away in peace feeling deeply loved.

Because of Mary’s love of children, books, and learning, in lieu of sending flowers or gifts, we would ask that a financial gift be sent in honor of Mary Joki to the Josephine Community Libraries at PO Box 1684, Grants Pass, Oregon 97528.

Please join Mary’s family in a Celebration of Life service to be held Sunday November 27th, at 2:00PM, Hull & Hull Chapel, 612 NW “A” Street, Grants Pass, (800)533-4453

Preceeding her in death were her parents, Jim and Loreece McCormick and spouse, Arthur (Dude) Joki.

Survivors include sisters, Marion Schoenleber and Julie McCormick and children, Robert Joki and Elizabeth Barrett.