Mary Josephine Maier

Mary Josephine Maier, 82, of Punta Gorda Isle, formerly of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully at home July 11, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Dr. Boleslaw S. Babowicz and Mary Dorothy Gorzynski Babowicz on October 24, 1930 in Erie, PA. "Mary Jo" attended Mercyhurst College in 1952 with a BA in Education. She received her Masters of Science from the University of Bridgeport in 1976 and her Masters in Education in 1978. A devoted educator, Mary Jo taught at West School, New Canaan, CT where she was admired and loved by her students and colleagues. She retired after 25 years and moved to Florida with her loving husband, Ed. During their retirement, Mary Jo and Ed enjoyed traveling, visiting over 15 countries. She was an active alumni and significant beneficiary of Mercyhurst University (Erie, PA). A member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Punta Gorda, she volunteered endless hours to St. Vincent de Paul, a charity dear to her heart. A devoted wife and mother, she is survived by her husband of 58 years, Edward, son Edward (Debra) Maier, Jr. of Rochester, N.Y., daughter Carolyn (Rick) Rosenthal of Eastport, N.Y., daughter, Valerie Ellis of Charlotte, N.C., son, Jeffrey (Lisa) Maier of Huntington, N.Y. and Dr. M. Kimberly Maier of West Hartford, CT. Mary Jo was a caring grandmother who delighted in her 8 grandchildren, Dr. Sara (Kyle) McCoy of Rochester, MN, Mark Louis (Laura) Maier of Long Island City, N.Y., Rebecca Maier of Hoboken, N.J., Alex Rosenthal of Eastport, N.Y., Nicole Vogel of NYC, Kaitlyn, Kevin and Daniel Maier of Huntington, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Babowicz and grandson, Michael Rosenthal. A mass will be celebrated Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 11:00a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 211 W. Charlotte Ave, Punta Gorda, Fl. She will be interred in Calvary Cemetery, Erie, PA. Calling hours will be held at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, 9400 Indian Springs Road, Punta Gorda on Tuesday, July 17, 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Mary Jo to St. Vincent de Paul at Sacred heart Catholic Church.