Jo Marie McNulty

Jo Marie H. McNulty had a spirited approach to her life; an energy that drove her towards happiness no matter what her situation was. She was a loving and caring mother that derived endless joy from watching her daughters grow. Throughout her life, she was devoted to her loved ones and her faith. Her benevolence radiated and was reflected in those around her.

The year was 1959 and America was enthralled with the prosperity of the 1950s. The wars of the past decade had ceased, and many in America were busy enjoying a life of excess. Jo Marie began her life at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 11, 1959. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Adam and Lorraine (Najar) Michael. Jo’s father was a meat cutter by trade and later owned and operated a restaurant in Greenville, Michigan. Her mother lovingly stayed home to raise Jo and her older sisters, Patricia and Lori. She was known as "JoJo" and "Joey" by her family. Her mother later worked part-time after the girls were older. Jo and her sisters would face great sorrow at a very young age when their mother died of breast cancer in 1972. Through these difficult times, Jo and her sisters drew ever closer together forming a special and everlasting bond between them that kept them close throughout their lives. Jo also fondly remembered many treasured family outings to Grand Haven State Park and Townsend Park.

Jo attended Wealthy Elementary, St Stephen's Catholic School, Michigan Oak, St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School, Northeast Jr. High and later graduating from Central High School in 1977. She later went to Ferris State University for a four-year degree. Her intentions were to study court stenography, but decided to pursue education and earned her teaching certificate. During one summer in college, Jo worked at Yellowstone National Park. On one occasion, Jo and some of her friends were hiking through the beautiful wilderness in the park and lost their way back. It wasn’t long before the park sent out a search party that returned them safely to familiar ground. Upon graduating from college, Jo found it difficult to find a teaching job and in the interim took a job as the assistant to the Grand Rapids Police Chief. A friend of Jo’s was working for Commercial Union Insurance Company in New Jersey and invited her to come out and apply for a job. Jo decided it would be the best thing and was quickly hired. Unbeknownst to Jo, her life was about to change. While attending a seminar for the company, Jo met Brian McNulty who was also employed by the same company in the New York office. They both were attracted to one another and started dating soon thereafter. Their love grew stronger every day and before long they were planning their wedding. On a warm fall day of October 6, 1984, Brian and Jo exchanged vows at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Grand Rapids officiated by Fr. James Cusack. They were joined by their family and friends at the Cannonsburg Ski Lodge for a stunning reception. They drove off into the sunset headed for their honeymoon on the enchanted St. Thomas Virgin Islands. After the honeymoon, the newlyweds headed back to New Jersey only long enough to pack their belongings and relocate to Grand Rapids. Once in Grand Rapids, they became a leader couple talking to young people who were going to be married.

Jo continued to work in the insurance field at Crawford and Co. as an insurance claims handler and then at Amerisure Title as an insurance adjuster. She enjoyed her job and the interaction with people. She had great integrity and always treated people fairly. Later on when Brian decided to return to college to earn a degree in law, Jo continued working in order to help support the family while he attended Cooley Law School in Lansing. After the birth of their second daughter, Jo left her job to stay home with the family. She later took a job with Progressive Insurance Co. and then Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.

Of all the wonderful things in Jo’s life, the greatest gift was placed in her arms on March 27, 1990, with the birth of their first daughter, Alison Lorraine. She was followed by their second miracle, Caitlin Patricia, born on December 30, 1993, and last but not least, their third daughter, Jacqueline Marie, born on August 1, 1995. Motherhood fit Jo like a glove. She was a devoted mother doting on each one of her girls. She tenderly watched over them making sure that their every need was met. Jo’s daughters attend school at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish, where the family was also members. She was active in her children’s lives volunteering as a Girl Scout leader through the church.

In 1996, the McNulty family would begin to experience some heartrending times. Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer in July and later that same year, her youngest daughter Jacqueline was also diagnosed with kidney cancer. Both Jo and Jacqueline endured chemo treatments at the same time. Tragedy struck again in February of 1997 when Jo's father passed away from complications of diabetes. Many family and friends gladly extended a helping hand to Brian and the girls through these difficult times, especially Jo’s sisters who she remained closely connected with. Good news came when little Jackie was cured and now leads a happy and healthy childhood.

Jo saw her illness as an opportunity to reach out to others and their families in the same circumstances. She generously volunteered her time with the American Cancer Society as a counselor or just a friendly shoulder to lean on. She offered rides to patients who did not have transportation to their treatments. She participated in many cancer walks in hopes that one day they would find a cure. These kind gestures spoke volumes of Jo’s character.

Although Jo’s cancer went into remission for a while, it was a sad day in 1999 when she was told the cancer had metastasized into her bones, which meant more treatments and even surgery. Jo was later diagnosed with leukemia in December of 2003. She was admitted to Butterworth Hospital on December 14, 2003, and while being surrounded by her husband, family and friends, passed away on Wednesday afternoon January 7, 2004. Her family took great comfort in the fact that she received the sacrament, anointing of the sick by Fr. Mark Mitchell before her passing. As now she happily lives on in heaven with Jesus Christ, where she has no more suffering or pain, she will also live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her forever.

In these trying moments, Brian came to realize the meaning of the Body of Christ. He is so very thankful for the love shown to him and his family from members in church, neighbors, friends and family. Their deeds of kindness were greatly appreciated whether it was a meal prepared for them, watching the girls and taking them to school or just an encouraging word spoken at a time of despair. Brian is proud and happy to have had his beloved Jo as such an important part of his life.

Jo Marie H. McNulty passed away at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, January 7, 2004, after a long and difficult battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Brian McNulty; her three daughters, Allison, Caitlin and Jacqueline McNulty; her sisters, Patricia (Larry) Kinney, Lori (Mike) Zarzecki both of Rockford, MI; her mother-in-law, Patricia Ann McNulty; her step-mother, Lucille Michael of California; her brother-in-law, James McNulty, her sister-in-law, Christine McNulty, both of Massachusetts; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam and Lorraine (Najar) Michael.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2275 Diamond NE (everyone meet at church) with graveside service in Fairplains Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to meet Jo’s family at the VanStrien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, on Sunday, January 11, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in her memory to the VanAndel Institute for Cancer Research. Please go to Jo’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, share a memory or make a contribution in her memory. Heritage Funeral Service Life Story Funeral Home

Jo was a gentle woman who gave so much of her time and energy to other people, especially her family. As you live on in heaven, you will live on in our hearts.