Mary Jo (Boyle) Martin

Mary Jo (Boyle) Martin, 96, of Glastonbury, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of September 2, 2025. She was born on January 10, 1929, in Springfield, Missouri, and lived through nearly a century of remarkable history in her long and full life.

Mary Jo was the daughter of the late Michael and Edna (Shahan) Boyle and sister to the late Pat and Kitty. She graduated from Southern Missouri State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and served as president of her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. During her college years, she worked as the laboratory manager in the science department, where she met her late husband, Robert Martin.

After marrying, Mary Jo and Robert moved to Connecticut, where they raised three children: the late Eric and Chris Martin and her daughter Lisa (Martin) Dickerman, who survives her. Mary Jo began teaching biology and chemistry at Glastonbury High School, quickly earning a reputation for her mentorship, dedication, and passion for science. Her impact on her students was profound; years later, she was recognized as one of the five most influential teachers in the life of a nationally known news anchor. Following her retirement, she continued to share her love of learning by spending 25 years reading about science topics to the blind on Cris Radio.

Mary Jo’s family was her greatest joy. She was blessed with seven grandchildren—Erin, Lauren, Geoff, Kristen, Sarah, Lindsay, and Sean—and six great-grandchildren. To them, she was “Grandma Jo” or “Jojo,” known for her generosity, quick wit, patient listening, and steady words of encouragement. She will be remembered for her unwavering strength, positive spirit, and deep commitment to keeping her family connected through traditions that will live on for generations.

She was the matriarch of her family, a loyal friend to many, and a strong, caring presence in her community. Though deeply missed, she will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who loved her, and her legacy will continue through the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Jo’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

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