Mary M. Jones, 94, went home to the Lord on Friday, Dec. 3, 2004. Her earthly journey began on Feb. 17, 1910. She was the oldest of six children born to John Gereg and Veronica Voytko, who lived in Olyphant, Pa., at that time. She was baptized Mary Margaret. Her parents soon moved to New Milford, Conn., so her father could find a better job.

Her father's illness forced young Mary in 1922 to drop out of grade school and leave home to find work, first in Fall River, Mass., and then New York City. She was about 12 years old at the time. Her paycheck helped support her younger brothers and sisters back home in New Milford.

Around 1930, while living in New York City, Mary fell in love with Judson "Judd" Joel Jones from Charlotte, N.C. The two were married in New York City in 1931. In May 1933, the first of two children were born to Mary and Judson Jones. They named their daughter Camille. About 1940, Mary, Judd and Camille Jones left New York City and moved to Washington, D.C. Mary loved big cities, especially New York and Washington, D.C. There was always something new to see, always something exciting to do, and frequently a parade or public celebration to attend. In April 1945, a second child was born, named Thomas. When young "Tommy" was in fifth grade, Mary went back to work, specializing in selling men's furnishings at the old Landsburg's Department Store on 7th & E Streets N.W. in Washington, D.C. In the early 1960s, Mary went back to school and completed her education, earning a GED. She then passed a Civil Service exam and got a job in the federal government. She became a cashier at various government-operated cafeterias, including the Mellon National Gallery of Art and the General Services Administration.

Living in Washington, D.C., for 40 years, Mary developed a keen interest in politics and political discussion. She also loved baseball (first the Washington Senators and later the Chicago Cubs) and college football. She was a big Notre Dame fan and never missed a football game on TV. Occasionally she would attend a football game at the N.D. stadium. Although afraid to fly, she traveled extensively. She visited her daughter out West where Camille lived for a time in California, Oregon and Arizona. Mary also traveled on excursions and pilgrimages to Europe and the Middle East, making new friends, some of whom live in South Bend, Ind., her future home.

In 1979 Mary retired from her government job and moved to South Bend, residing at Karl King Tower on East Monroe Street. She became involved with Saint Joseph Parish, often walking to church and enjoying her ministry as lector and Eucharistic minister, both at Mass and to the sick and homebound. She also served as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and the Parish Liturgical Commission. For a few years, Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Notre Dame, and enjoyed helping as a tour guide in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

In 1997, Mary joined Christ the King Parish where her son, Father Tom Jones, C.S.C., serves as pastor. Her eyesight and health failing, Mary was forced to move to Healthwin Specialized Care on Darden Road in December 2001. There she received excellent care and attention from the nurses and aides. Mary often remarked how kind and caring the staff is at Healthwin. What kept her going the last three years of her life was a consistent diet of hamburgers (the Whopper Jr.), desserts (especially chocolate cake), and chocolate candy. A number of parishioners from Christ the King often visited her and brought her Holy Communion. Mary's children express a sincere "Thank You" to all those wonderful people who cared for her and visited her at Healthwin. She was never alone or forgotten.

Mary enjoyed a full life of almost 95 years. She had many friends and enjoyed their company in numerous parties, travels, celebrations and gatherings. Most of all, she was a woman of deep faith and prayer, with a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first check she wrote each month was for the support of her parish. God watched over Mary all her life. She often remarked "There is no such word as CAN'T." There was nothing God could not do or fix if you prayed hard enough and did your best. Like most of us, she was not perfect. However, her faith and desire to help others made up for any faults and failures.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Camille Hall of Eugene, Ore., and her son, Fr. Tom Jones, C.S.C., of South Bend. She is also survived by her younger brother, Steve Gereg of Gaylordsville, Conn.; her grandson, James Wilcox, Eugene; and a number of nephews and nieces, including Mary Lynn Hobbs of Hartford, Conn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7th, with her son, Fr. Tom Jones, C.S.C., officiating and Rev. Michael Mathews, C.S.C., giving the homily. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday in Christ the King Catholic Church, Darden and S.R. 933, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Friends may also call one hour before the Mass in church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. McGann Funeral Homes, University Area Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Road at Ironwood, was entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christ the King Building Fund.

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