Mary Jo (Thacker) Corey

Mary Jo (Thacker) Corey, 80, Framingham, MA (formerly Torrington, CT), died peacefully on May 11, 2019. She was surrounded by her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Ronald Jr and wife Melissa (Christian) Corey and her grandchildren Amanda and Evan Corey (East Hanover, NJ) and son Kevin Corey and wife Kathleen (Lowther) Corey and grandchildren Kevin Jr and Kaitlyn Corey, and great-grandson, Jayden Corey (Framingham, MA). She is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Corey, Sr. She is also predeceased by her parents, Myrtle (Thacker) and Adolph Grabinski, and brother, Everett Thacker.

Mary Jo was a “magnet” of love. She exuded empathy and compassion, often engaging strangers in conversation and, through these interactions, making life-long friends. She worked at the Aetna in Hartford, CT until she married and settled in Torrington, CT, staying home to raise her two sons. She re-entered the workforce as a school bus driver for the Region 10 school district and retired after a long career. After the death of her husband, Ron Corey, Sr., in 2011, she moved to Framingham, MA to be close to her son Kevin (Blade) and his family. She enjoyed her time living at Brookdale Cushing Park and developed many friendships with the residents and staff. She cherished the love she had from the Xtreme Riders of Framingham, who embraced her as “Mama Blade.” Although debilitated by renal disease, she was determined to have a full life, something she learned from her experience with polio as a child. She wanted to thank all of the nurses and staff who supported her. Her last days at the Whittier Rehab Hospital in Westborough, MA, were also filled with love as she received wonderful care. Thanks to all who helped her.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mary Jo’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham, on Saturday May 18th from 1 – 3 P.M. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 7 Burlington Avenue, Collinsville, CT  06019.  Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Patrick Church.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 32 Collins Rd., Collinsville, CT 06019.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jo’s name to: National Kidney Fund.  For directions and online tributes, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com or Cook Funeral Home, www.cookfuneralhomect.com.