Mary "Mary Jo" Josephine Lanza

February 6, 1949 - December 3, 2021

Mary Josephine Lanza passed away Friday, December 3rd, 2021, in Pueblo Colorado. She was 72 years old and the loving wife of James Lanza, they were married for 48 years. Mary Jo was born in Crested Butte, Colorado on February 6th, 1949, and was the sixth child, as well as a twin born to Rudolph & Margaret Kochevar. She graduated from Seton high school in 1967. She lived and worked in Pueblo as a teacher & literacy coordinator for District 60 for 34 years. Before Mary Jo lost her 9-year battle with PSP, she enjoyed traveling all over the world, visiting her family, celebrating special occasions with her husband, daughters, family members etc. She was an amazing teacher who taught & inspired children, as well as co-workers over many years, and generations. Mary Jo will be remembered for being a truly genuine, sweet & loving soul, as well as a mother to many others in her life, and was given the nickname “Ma Jo”. No matter who you were, she treated you with dignity and respect, always displaying her beautiful smile. She is survived by her husband James Lanza; her daughters Jaime (Edward) Montanez of Denver and Stacie Lanza of Las Vegas Nevada. Mary Jo was a loving and proud grandmother “Nonna” of two grandchildren, Dominic & Vincent Montanez, as well as many nieces & nephews. Her twin sister Margaret (Mike) Hardin, another older sister Carolyn Judd, brothers Rudy (Peggy) Kochevar, John Kochevar, & Mark Kochevar. Mary Jo left us much too soon and will forever be loved & missed but will live on in our hearts every day. Her unconditional love for her family will go on, not ever forgotten. Our family would like to send a special thank you and acknowledge the wonderful, caregivers & staff at Columbine Chateau. Another thank you to the staff of Bristol Hospice who came aboard recently in her last days. Mary Jo’s funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 217 E. Mesa Ave. The family will also be hosting a gathering, “Celebration of Mary Jo’s Life” following the service, from 4:00-7:00pm at the 4 of Hart’s Restaurant, 102 S. Union Ave. Online condolences, www.roselawnpueblo.org.