Mary Jo (Tarnaski) Valesano, 71, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on April 22, 2020.

She was born on August 14, 1948, in Milwaukee to Peter and Dolores (Hyppa) Tarnaski.

She attended the Wakefield Schools and graduated in 1966. Mary Jo earned a bachelor of arts degree from Northern Michigan University in 1970.

After graduation, she secured employment with the White Pine School District as a business education teacher/librarian. Several years later she began a lengthy career with Indianhead Mountain Resort, where she held several positions in a variety of departments. In 2000, she obtained a position with the Wakefield School District where she served as the librarian and Title I teacher until her retirement in 2010.

She is survived by her two children, Jeffrey (Kim Hoggan) and Kerry (Travis) Hongisto; four grandchildren Kaitlin, JT, Kaelyn and Bree; a sister Susan Houlberg; former spouse, John Valesano; and several other dear relatives and friends.

At Mary Jo's request there will be no service. Cremation has taken place and interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

Jerald Rocco of Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.