Mary Jo Frances Dermody

Mary Jo Dermody

Mary Jo Frances Dermody passed away unexpectedly at her home in Kirkland, WA, on October 16th, 2024.  A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend.  Mary Jo (MJ) will always be remembered for her kindness, warm smile, strong intellect, entrepreneurial spirit and as a force to be reckoned with.

Born on December 26th,1957 in Seattle, WA, MJ was the daughter of John J. Dermody (SPD Ret.) and Meave Duggan Dermody.  MJ graduated from Bishop Blanchet High School in 1976 and attended Shoreline Community College.  She started her career at Rainier Bank prior to joining MacPherson’s Real Estate Services.  While raising her family, MJ opened a Secretarial Service, opened the first “paint your own pottery” business in the Northwest called “The Studio,” and started CANVAS Paint & Sip with locations in Bellevue, Kirkland and Seattle.

MJ is survived by her two adult children, Laura Tokolahi (Semisi), David Robison, one granddaughter, Reign Tokolahi, and MJ’s brothers, Neil (Mary Beth), John (Chrys) and Jim (Katie); in addition to five nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her former husband Tom Robison. MJ was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and cherished her relationships with the many friends, colleagues, and mentors she met along the way.

MJ will be greatly missed.  A celebration of MJ’s life will be held at a future date.

Go n-éirí do bhóthar leat.