HOLYOKE

Mary Jo (Tetreault) Nowak, age 64, of Holyoke, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, at her home in the presence of her family.  She was born in Springfield, daughter of the late Arthur and Doris (Santucci) Tetreault and was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School in Holyoke and Holyoke High School Class of 1971.  Mary Jo attended Elms College in Chicopee.  She was the former owner with her husband of Rohan’s News Room in Holyoke, worked for many years at JC Penney at the Holyoke Mall and until recently, did home healthcare. Mary Jo was a former Brownie leader and was active in Boys Scouts and the Catholic Charities Appeal.  She dedicated her life to helping others, while always putting others’ needs before her own, and making lifelong friends wherever she went.  She was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church.  Mary Jo will always be remembered for her boisterous laugh and wonderful smile.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Dean G. Nowak, three children, Dean A. Nowak, Christina M. Thomas (Darren), and Michael J. Nowak, all of Holyoke, two grandchildren, Addyson R. and Cora R. Thomas, one sister, Regina A. Rogers and her husband James of Holyoke, a sister-in-law, Cheryl Taddia and her husband Robert of Springfield and several nieces and nephews.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life and always brought her joy. Mary Jo was predeceased by a special aunt and godmother, Zella Santucci of Palmer in 2016.  Mary Jo was given extraordinary care by the Holyoke Hospital Oncology Unit, and the family extends deepest appreciation to all the wonderful people there. The Funeral will be held Friday, September 8, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Burial will follow in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery, South Hadley. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Jo to the Holyoke Medical Center Oncology Department, 575 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.