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1920 Mary 2015

Mary "Mary Jo" Josephine Brady

August 31, 1920 — July 26, 2015

Mary Jo Brady, 94, of Grand Island, NE, died Sunday, August 26, 2015 at Tiffany Square Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island. The Very Rev. Charles L. Torpey will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2015 at Apfel Funeral Home, Grand Island, with a scripture vigil service there at 7 p.m.

Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send on-line condolences visit www.apfelfuneralhome.com and sign the guest book under obituaries.

Mary Jo was born August 31, 1920 in Shelton, NE, to Dan B. and Elizabeth (Moore) Hannon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cdr. Thomas J. Brady, USN (Ret).

Survivors include son, Dr. Daniel R. Brady (Mary) of Indianapolis, IN; daughter, Kathleen (Steve) Brady-Wright of Woodinville, WA; brother, the Hon. Edward E. Hannon of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: John (Jen) and Neil Brady; and Madison and Gavin Wright; and great-grandchild, Katy Money-Brady.

Mary Jo grew up in Omaha and attended St. Bridget's Elementary School. The family then moved to Wood River, NE. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1937. She pursued her education at the St. Francis Nursing School in Grand Island, graduated and became a registered nurse in 1945.

She married Lt. Thomas J. Brady at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL on July 9, 1945. Mary Jo traveled extensively with Thom during and after his naval career, residing in Banana River, FL; Whidbey Island, WA; San Diego, CA; Alameda, CA; Corpus Christi, TX; Tangier, Morocco; Naples, Italy; Monterey, CA; Springfield, VA; Brunswick, ME; Norfolk, VA; Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA; San Diego, CA; Tehran, Iran; San Diego, CA. They returned to Grand Island, NE in 1992. She was an engaging and gracious host to family and friends wherever they lived.

As the wife of a Naval Officer, Mary Jo adeptly navigated the pomp and circumstance involving assignments in Washington DC, enlisted other wives to explore the foreign soil where they lived, and provided leadership as the "Skipper's Wife" for the wives in the squadron

In addition to her proud role as mother and grandmother, Mary Jo devoted her time to volunteering with the Navy Relief Society, American Red Cross, Social Service Auxiliary of San Diego and whatever parish she lived and schools her children attended.

Mary Jo took pleasure in and mastered sewing and knitting for family and friends. She enjoyed golf early in her life with Thom, picked up tennis in her mid 40's, and learned to ski at the age of 54 - in Iran!

Mary Jo was an avid bridge player devoted to the game as much as her friends around the table. She supported the arts, attending the theatre, the Symphony and operas whenever she could.

Mary Jo was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and was active in its Altar Society.

Son, Edward T. Brady; sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Torpey; and brothers, Dan Jr. and Jim Hannon preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 404 East Third Street, Grand Island, NE 68801.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary "Mary Jo" Josephine Brady, please visit our flower store.

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