Mary Cannizzaro

Mary Jo Cannizzaro, of Wyomissing, PA - loving friend, community supporter, family member, and lifelong student and educator enjoyed her last curtain call on Tuesday, February 2 after a sudden illness. Gratefully, Mary Jo spent her last days in her home with family and friends; and she will be missed by all whom were touched by her flair, her color, and her love of most things dramatic.

Born April 11, 1938 in Johnstown, PA as the daughter of the late Samuel and Josephine (Gallo) Cannizzaro, Mary Jo emerged as a strong English and Theater student, ultimately earning a scholarship to college at the Indiana State Teacher's College (1960) (now IUP) and a Master's Degree in media studies from the New School University in New York City (1976).

Mary Jo - "Miss Cannizzaro" taught life (through English and related Arts) from 1960-1993 at the former Governor Mifflin Junior High School. Her childhood passion for the arts continued and she sponsored a drama club and directed plays from 1960-1975. She also did the make-up designs for 12 Spring Swings at Governor Mifflin Senior High School. She enriched the culture of the school devoting much of her life with love and gratitude to the thousands of students who passed through the doors of classroom 107 over the span of 33 years.

In addition to her work at Mifflin, she served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Berks County Teachers of English, a Consultant for the Scott Foresman textbook series, and ultimately presided as the President of the Berks County Teachers of English (1968-70). In 1984 she was a proud recipient of a National Endowment for Humanities Fellowship to Vanderbilt University. She was the head of the Governor Mifflin Junior High School English Department from 1985-1990, a regular volunteer for the Berks Visiting Nurse Association and at the Rainbow Home in Reading until its closure in 2001.

In retirement, Mary Jo continued to enjoy Theater and the Arts and was a proud contributor to dozens of different non-profit organizations in Berks County and around the world. Many lives can be touched from a small apartment in Wyomissing and Mary Jo did so with humility, grace, and often, anonymity. And, yes, an occasional flair for the dramatic...


Mary Jo is survived by the family, friends, and students who will carry forward her passion for the Arts - along with a realization that peace, love, education, and an interest in others are what make civilization work.

Celebration of Life Tribute Service will be held in Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 129 East Lancaster Ave. Shillington, Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:00 am. Kathy L. Lentz, Certified Celebrant will officiate. The family will receive relatives and friends Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 10-11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a gift in Mary Jo's honor to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 and/or Doctors Without Borders 333 7th Ave. New York, NY 10001-5004 is appropriate. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com