Mary Jo “Joey” Behne passed peacefully on August 18, 2026, after a valiant battle with heart failure and pneumonia. She was a woman who gave everything she had to the people and things she loved. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, caregiver, crafter, cook, artist and woman of faith, Mary Jo had a remarkable way of making everyone who crossed her path feel cared for, welcomed, and loved.

Born on February 22, 1944, in Seattle Washington, Mary Jo was raised in Kentucky, the oldest of six children. Her life took her to many places across the United States, including San Francisco, a city she especially loved, before she ultimately made Virginia home and raised her family there.

Mary Jo’s greatest joy was her family—but her definition of family was beautifully expansive. She loved her children fiercely and wholeheartedly, but she also had a way of welcoming every child, teenager, friend, neighbor, and friend-of-a-friend who walked through her door. Her home was a place where there was always room for one more, and there was very likely something cooking for them. Countless friends and family members grew up on Mary Jo’s tacos, fried chicken, squash & onions, cookies, and vast holiday meals that she lovingly prepared. She didn’t just cook for people; she cared for them through food.

Mary Jo approached everything she did with her whole heart. She was never afraid to have a little fun, dress up, try something new, or make someone smile. She once took belly dancing lessons, loved all things John Denver, science fiction, dragons, water lilies, fairies, and countless other beautiful and whimsical things. Her curiosity and creativity were infectious, and she lit up every room she entered with her energy and smile.

There was almost nothing Mary Jo loved more than creating something with a needle and thread. Sewing, crafting, and making things by hand were among her greatest passions, and she delighted in sharing those talents with her grandchildren, friends, and anyone who showed an interest. For Mary Jo, creating was never just about the finished product—it was about sharing time, teaching someone something new, and making something special for someone she loved.

Her generosity extended well beyond her family. Mary Jo was a long-term supporter of the Scouts, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader and continued to support all scouts throughout her life. She also had a strong and enduring faith and was an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Colonial Heights, VA for many years.

Mary Jo had a gift for caring for others in big ways and small ones. Whether she was encouraging someone to learn a new skill, preparing a meal, making something by hand, showing up for a friend, or simply opening her home and her heart, she gave generously of herself. She touched many lives as the nursing assistant for a well-loved mumbling pediatrician. You always found her on Wednesdays with her Stitchin’ Wits ladies and looked forward to every single stitching retreat where she impressed everyone with her talent to compose artwork with thread. She loved dressing up for the holidays giving nurses Hershey kisses at her appointments. She found a way to bring a little happiness wherever she went.

Above all, Mary Jo was an amazing mom. She loved deeply, laughed often, created generously, and made people feel like they belonged. Her greatest legacy will not be found in any one accomplishment, but in the countless people who were made happier, more confident, more cared for, and more loved because Mary Jo was part of their lives.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband, James Behne; her children, David (Carolyn) Behne, Mark (Susan) Behne, Ann (Markus) Behne, and Beth (Hinton) Sutherland; her grandchildren, Alexandria, Victoria, DJ, Jeremy, Sean, Abigail, Madeline, Andrew and great-daughter Arina. She is also survived by her siblings Dick, Joe, Joanie, and Nancy, and by her loving friend and caregiver, Karin St. Onge-Heneger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mary, and her brother, Tom.

Mary Jo leaves behind a family and community who will miss her dearly, but her spirit will live on in the things she taught us, the meals she shared, the crafts she created, the laughter she brought, and—most of all—the love she gave so freely.

The family will celebrate Mary Jo’s life with a funeral mass at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Rte 1, South Chesterfield, VA 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at the church.

Those wishing to celebrate Mary Jo’s life, share memories, or leave a message for her family may visit her Facebook page, Mary Behne. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VCU Health Pauley Heart Center at https://give.vcu.edu/campaigns/63772/donations/new.