Mary Jo Fralia

Mary Jo Fralia, age 88 of Phoenix, Arizona passed away from Alzheimer’s peacefully in her son’s home on September 10, 2024 with her son Ron, Daughter-in-Law Gina, daughter Dianne and youngest grandson Dan by her side. Mary Jo maintained her strength and grace through to the end. She was a strong private lady, full of faith, love and joy. Mary Jo was known as “Mom,” “Mamo,” and friend to many. Her gentle soul will truly be missed by everyone who knew her! Mary Jo did not want any services, so we wanted to share some wonderful things about her. 

Mary Jo, not just Mary, was born in Waynoka, Oklahoma on June 13, 1936 to Estelle and Archie Mash. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Warren Fralia of 59 years, her son David Warren Fralia, daughter Connie Fralia Suey, and her three siblings. She is survived by her son Ron Fralia and daughter-in-law Gina Fralia of Phoenix, Arizona, her daughter Dianne Valley of Aguanga, California, 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Mary Jo was an awesome grandmother, and all of her grandchildren have so many wonderful memories with her. Mary Jo was also lucky enough to spend time with her great grandchildren, and they too have many wonderful memories. Her youngest great grandchild was lucky enough to spend almost every day with her these past 7 years, and they were buddies. 

Mary Jo was a wife and mother for many years as the family lived in Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Georgia and California as Tom worked in the Aerospace Industry. As the children got older she began working as a nurse’s aide at the local hospital in 1972, when the family moved to San Diego. She later joined Burroughs Corporation, which in time became Unisys Corporation, and worked as a Clean Room Quality Assurance Technician involved in computer chip manufacturing, and retired in the early 1990’s. Mary Jo and Tom later owned a small business maintaining medicine dispenser machines until they had to completely retire due to Tom’s health. In December 2014 Ron and Gina moved to Arizona and after Mary Jo’s many visits she decided to officially move and live with them in 2016. Mary Jo enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends, but in 2019 she decided to stop traveling. Later that year she was diagnosed with dementia and overtime it developed into Alzheimer’s. Mary Jo did her best to keep up her daily routine, she always made sure she was looking nice with her makeup and earrings, and she loved to read. Gina kept her stocked with books from the library. 

One of Mary Jo’s closest friends raises butterflies, and she always loved seeing pictures of them. The other day a beautiful butterfly emerged, and her friend named the butterfly Mary Jo and sent the photo. Mary Jo smiled. Whenever you see a beautiful butterfly think of Mary Jo.

In lieu of a service, Mary Jo wishes were that you remember her as you saw her last, full of smiles and love as she visited with you. Always remember, her positive and happy personality and most of all her answer when you asked her how she was doing. “I am doing great!”