Mary Jo Dorn was born in Dallas, Texas on June 7, 1951, to Frank and Joanne McGehee. On August 16, 2023, she rejoined her parents in heaven after a blessedly short bout with pancreatic cancer. Mary Jo was a proud 1969 Ursuline Academy of Dallas alumna, received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature from the University of Texas Austin, and earned her Master’s Degree in Theological Studies at the University of Dallas. Later in her career, Mary Jo realized her true professional mission at Catholic Charities of Dallas. She led the Marillac Center and would retire after more than a decade as Director of Development. This work joined her insightful management style with her devotion to her Catholic faith and her commitment to immigrants’ rights.

Mary Jo’s Catholic faith fueled her rich and joy-filled life. Married in 1985, Mary Jo and Mickey worked hard for Monica, Alex, Peter, and Jack to attend St. Monica and then Ursuline, Jesuit, and Cistercian, respectively. To Mary Jo, a rigorous Catholic education for her children set the groundwork for a mission-driven life. Her Ursuline education meant that Serviam (I will serve) permeated all facets of her life – she was a social justice warrior committed to the Catholic Church’s protection of all humans’ dignity. She continued this effort into retirement in her service to the University of Dallas’ National Alumni Board. Mary Jo always sought to support and mentor others’ personal and spiritual development. She was a careful listener, probing to help you identify your own solutions while also affirming and celebrating your accomplishments. She helped many recognize God’s plan in their own lives.

Mary Jo affirmed her husband, children, children in-law, and grandchildren most of all. She so encouraged each one to embrace their special gifts that if you ask any child or grandchild, they will assure you they were her favorite. Mary Jo ensured self-esteem is synonymous with the Dorn and de la Cerda surnames. She also made sure that her McGehee siblings basked in her encouragement. As the eldest of six, Mary Jo was the de facto leader of her family after her parents’ passing but her brothers and sisters would probably say she was always the boss. And when it comes to bossy love, God created her husband Mickey as her perfect match. When they met at her sister Margaret’s wedding to Mickey’s friend Kevin, Mickey asked Mary Jo to dance. Mary Jo said, “actually, I want to marry you.” Mickey responded, “well how about we just dance for now?” They would spend their lives faithfully raising their four children, serving as extraordinary grandparents, and taking great open road adventures together.

In addition to her people and her faith, Mary Jo loved: her doggies and grand doggies; extensive to do lists; post-it notes on holiday serving platters; science fiction, fantasy, humor, and theological books; funeral Mass and special Church prayer cards; extensive collections of holiday decorations; Bruce Springsteen and the blues and music that really makes you feel; abundant silver jewelry; road trips with Mickey, especially to New Buffalo, Michigan; and, Pinot Grigio-fueled evening texts. Mary Jo was a wickedly funny woman who kept her dear friends for decades with her wit and genuine interest in their well-being.

Mary Jo Dorn, our Mother of Dragons, is survived by all she affirmed and mentored – all of her exquisite lambs and bunny rabbits, especially her devoted husband Mickey; her children Monica (John), Alex (Susan), Peter (Tiffany), and Jack (Becca); her grandchildren Alex, Diego, Roman, and Nolan; her siblings Ann Marie (Michael), Michael (Kathleen), Margaret (Kevin), Chris (Kathy), and Nancy; the extended Dorn and de la Cerda families; many nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt JoJo; and, countless friends who celebrate the gift that Mary Jo was in their lives. We are all grateful that Mary Jo is now in God’s Heavenly Kingdom reveling in the sounds of Clarence Clemons’ gorgeous saxophone.

The memorial service for Mary Jo will be Saturday, September 30th at the Cistercian Abbey Chapel in Irving at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow.

To honor Mary Jo’s commitment to Catholic education, please consider a donation to Cistercian, Jesuit, University of Dallas, and/or Ursuline Academy in her name.