Mary Jo Frances Dermody

 

image of Mary Jo 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.

2 Responses to “Mary Jo Frances Dermody”

  • Neil P. Dermody says:

    Mary Jo(MJ), my little sister…Happy Birthday! I love you and I will miss you.

    Neil

  • Jim Dermody says:

    Mary Jo (M.J.), we miss you on this, your birthday (12/26). You are gone too soon. Many know, but I will say it here, I would not be here in Seattle and have had the grounding and success were it not for my siblings, specifically you. That’s one of the reasons behind the statement “a force to be reckoned with.” You were forced to deal with things beyond your chronological age. And you faced those things head one. I am better for it and owe you an immense debt I can never repay. My girls, for whom you cared and looked after many times, miss you. I know you were/are proud of them. Will see you again. Love you.

    Your little brother, Jim.

    Go n-éirí do bhóthar leat.

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