Mary Jo Welch 88, of Springfield, died at 11:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Arcadia Care on the Hill. She was born May 6, 1938, in Springfield, to Charles Bernard and Helen E. Lee Welch.
Survivors include five nieces, Elaine M. Estes, Elizabeth E. Kaplan, Erin M. Gutzman, Pennie L. Bradbury and Robin R. Estes; one nephew, Ethan R. Welch; one sister-in-law, Joyce Welch and several great nieces and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles B. “Bernie” Welch, Jr. and Michael L. Welch; a niece, Michelle Welch and her beloved dog, Prince.
Mary Jo was a graduate of Ursuline Academy in Springfield. She later received her master’s degree in English from St. Louis University and proceeded to receive two more master’s degrees in religious studies and church services.
She was a resident of San Antonio, TX for over forty years and moved back to Springfield in 2005.
Mary Jo was an Ursuline Sister for more than thirty years. She then taught middle school in San Antonio, TX until her retirement. Once she moved back to Springfield, she enjoyed teaching English classes at Lincoln Land Community College in Beardstown and Jacksonville for several years.
She enjoyed reading, going to movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Memorial Gathering: 10:00-11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church.
Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Ryan Kehoe. Interment will take place at a later date in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation.
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