Mary Jo Weber
McAuley Lear, 99
Mary Jo Weber McAuley Lear was born January 3, 1922. She passed away at the age of 99 after a brief illness on April 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mary Josephine was the last surviving child of Edward and Agnes O'Reilly Weber. She was a descendant of the Frauenheim family, founders of Pittsburgh Brewing Company. Her father Edward was a well-known Pittsburgh architect. She was predeceased by her five siblings.
Mary Jo grew up in the East End of Pittsburgh, attending St. Rapheal's High School. In 1946 she married William McAuley and had three children: Arthur McAuley (Patricia), Margaret Campbell (James, deceased), and Barbara Emery (Mark). Mary Jo worked at Carnegie Mellon University for thirteen years. Later, Mary Jo married N. Joe Lear and lived in Milford, Delaware for 41 years. She was stepmother to Joe's son Norman (Tracey). Following Joe's death last June, she returned to Pittsburgh to live with her daughter Margaret.
Known as "Grandma Josie," she is survived by eight beloved grandchildren: Jeffrey, Patrick (Ellen), Virginia (Chris), Jennifer (Ben), Anne (Sean), Kara (Joe), Jessica (Kyle), and Mary Kate. There are eleven beloved great grandchildren. She was also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A passionate volunteer, Mary Jo was active with a rehabilitation school for children, a school library, the Avenue United Methodist Church women's circle, church bazaars, and donated her time as a clown. Mary Jo was recognized by the state of Delaware for her exemplary service. She was a dedicated follower of the Milford Community Band which her husband Joe founded.
In addition to painting, Mary Jo was known for her beautiful quilts, gracing family and friends with designs of all kinds. Her specialty was sewing the baby quilts she created. Mary Jo was particularly dedicated to making hundreds of charity blankets for children going into foster care. She loved going shopping, "ladies to lunch," and dark chocolate.
Most of all Mary Jo was full of love for her family who treasured her. She taught us how to love. We will miss her and hold her in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held on June 28, 2021 at the Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 North Church Street, Milford Del. at 10 a.m. Inurnment will take place at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery beside her beloved husband Joe.
Memorial Contributions in her honor may be made to: Project Linus Blankets (projectlinus.org/donations) Homemade Project Linus blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might need a big hug. Project Linus National Headquarters, P.O. Box 1548, Belton, MO 64012-1108 or projectlinus.org donation site: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=1e3d26
Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com