Mary Jo Havertz Robinson Obituary (1935 - 2018)

Mary Jo Havertz Robinson (November 11, 1935 - July 29, 2018) leaves a legacy of family, friends, fun and faith. Born to Joseph and Ida Vendla Nash Havertz, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mary Jo was proud of her father serving in World War II and gladly took him to show-and-tell at school when he was home on leave. She grew up with her brother David (Marlene) and enjoyed weekly shopping outings with her mother, “Nan.” At East High, she met and dated John Robinson, beginning a 65-year adventure together. After their marriage in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, education took them to The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. They enjoyed travel throughout the United States and 60 foreign countries. They became wonderful parents to five children: Brenda Mangus (Brent), Jody Cheever (Steve), Susan Bills (Steve), Robyn Parry (Scott), and Johnny (Crystal). Eventually their family grew to 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren--with more to come. “Grandma Jo” or “Grandma Harley” was the ultimate fan in all of their activities from dance and cheerleading to ski racing, gymnastics, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, luge, football, and rugby. One family highlight was taking the whole family on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Mary Jo was also a “second mom” to numerous neighbors, nieces and nephews. Family came first, and she made fun and lasting memories as a great daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, and grandma. Mary Jo and John enjoyed wonderful, lifelong friendships with “the gang” from Primary years, school classmates, couples from their York, Pennsylvania Hospital Intern Group, river runners, biking friends, and Murray Lions Club. She made additional friends in her volunteer activities such as in PTA, Choice Humanitarian and at Cottonwood Hospital. Basically, Mary Jo was expert in making and nurturing friends. She and John treasured friendships. One word to sum up Mary Jo Robinson is fun. Always ready for a party, she expertly hosted countless bridal and baby showers. She planned annual events such as Halloween spook alleys, Thanksgiving feasts at the Brighton Cabin, and many neighborhood trips and parties. From toilet papering with her daughters and midnight dancing and singing with her grandkids, to wakeboarding at Lake Powell in her 60’s, she embraced fun. Her fun also included cheering for the University of Utah football team and the Utah Jazz. Mary Jo was also an example of faith. She was a lifelong, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite callings included scouting (with annual trips to Camp Tracy), serving twice as Young Women’s President (bringing weekly treats), volunteering to have family night with inmates at the Utah State Prison, and keeping young while helping with the Young Single Adult University of Utah Stake. Staying positive and active even through pains of cancer, her final words were, “I have no regrets, and I am happy.” Mary Jo Havertz Robinson was a great example of treasuring family, friends, fun, and faith. A viewing will be held at the Murray Utah Little Cottonwood Stake Center, 6180 Glenoaks Drive (855 East) on Wednesday, August 1 from 6:00-8:00 pm and Thursday, August 2 from 9:30-10:30 am with the funeral to follow at 11:00 am. Interment: Murray City Cemetery.