Mary Jo Legrand

Mary Jo LeGrand (née Morris) was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 16, 1928. She was the second of twins, her sister being Mary Lu, born to parents Consuelo and Byrel Morris. Mary Jo grew up in Elk City, Nebraska, attending grade school in Elk City and high school in Valley. From a young age, the twins displayed musical talent and frequently sang at school, church events, weddings, and funerals. After high school, Jo, as she preferred to be called, moved to Omaha, where she lived with her Uncle Earl while working as an Elevator Operator at Brandeis. She also enjoyed many activities with her friends, including playing softball. At a softball game, she caught the eye of a young man named Frank LeGrand. He famously told a friend, ' I am going to marry that girl on first base". Not long after, Jo and Frank began dating, and just three months later, they married. Initially, Frank and Jo lived above and managed a grocery store in Elk City. It was a challenging endeavor, involving tasks such as being the butcher and managing other essential operations—a true embodiment of "farm to table". They later moved to a small farm near Elkhorn, which they referred to in later years as "the Elkhorn Place". Finally, they settled into a cozy house in Waterloo, Nebraska, where they spent over sixty years of their lives. Jo would live there until the age of 92. Jo dedicated herself to her family, becoming a stay-at-home mom to her four children, but also continued to share her musical talent by singing at weddings and funerals. She helped run a paint store from their home for a time, eventually transforming it into a craft store. There, she sold various handmade items, many of which she created herself. Jo was a gifted artist known for her beautiful paintings, knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint work. Her creations were shared generously—many reading this likely have received one of her cherished handmade gifts. Once their children were grown and Frank retired, Jo re-entered the workforce. Together, they worked seasonally at Rob Seed Company, and Jo spent several years employed at Thomas Fitzgerald Nursing Home. Few people knew that Jo also had a poetic side. She sometimes wrote small poems in cards for loved ones and frequently kept journals filled with sweet reflections on her friends and family. Additionally, thanks to her tenacity and thoughtful communication, she had a talent for writing to companies about defective products, often receiving replacements, such as balls of yarn. Jo's faith was central to her life. She was active in the Waterloo Methodist Church and deeply involved with a group called Bag Ladies, where members made items for abusedwomen. Within this community, she formed lifelong friendships. Jo welcomed everyone into her heart—there were no strangers in her world. While her four children and their spouses were lucky to call her "Mom," many others became her "adopted" children, all of whom she loved dearly. After recovering from COVID-19, Jo moved to Elk Ridge Independent Living in Elkhorn in 2021. There, she made wonderful friends, including her closest companion, Judy. Despite her declining health, Jo remained active—she cherished time spent with family and enjoyed cheering for her grandchildren and great grandchildren at their sporting events. Everyone knew “Grandma Jo” and her distinctive "WOOP WOOP WOOP" that resonated across even the largest and most crowded gyms. On October 4, Jo peacefully passed away in her sleep at Maple Crest Retirement Home. She was 95, just shy of her 96th birthday. She was ready to be reunited with her Lord. Despite her many talents, Jo was humble and never truly saw herself the way others did—as a remarkable and generous soul. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Jo is survived by her four children and their spouses: David and Susan LeGrand, Bob and Diana LeGrand, Jon and Amy LeGrand, and Cathy and Joel McDermott; her sisters-in-law Margie Wesley and Patty LeGrand; her cousin Don Morris and his wife Sandi Morris; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank, her parents Consuelo and Byrel Morris, and her twin sister Mary Lu (Elmer) Wesemann. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials are suggested to the Waterloo Methodist Church.

Mary Jo Legrand

October 16, 1928 - October 4, 2024