Mary Jeanne Minhondo
May 12, 1936 - December 16, 2013
Mary Jeanne Minhondo of Murray died Monday, Dec. 16, at St. Joseph's Villa in Salt Lake City, seven months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was 77.
She was born May 12, 1936, in Geneva, Idaho, the second child of Pierre and Jeanne Larre Minhondo. She attended schools in Rock Springs, Wyo., and later St. Mary of the Wasatch in Salt Lake City, graduating in 1955. In 1959, she received a bachelor's degree in education from the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kans.
An excellent and respected educator, Mary Jeanne began her teaching career at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Salt Lake City, then taught for many years at Lincoln and Washington elementary schools in Rock Springs before her retirement in the late 1990s. An avid reader, she enjoyed the theater and films and was a public radio and television devotee. Mary Jeanne loved a good debate and always had something thoughtful and well reasoned to contribute to any conversation, whether about politics, religion or the arts.
She is survived by her brother Edward (Linda) Minhondo of Bountiful and their children Patricia (Kerry) Brooks, Michael (Susie) Minhondo and Robert (Kristin) Minhondo, along with grand-nieces Mandy and Bailee and grand-nephews Chase, Brock, Mason and Luke.
Mary Jeanne also is survived by cousins with whom she was raised and who considered her an integral part of their family. They are Elizabeth Bertagnolli, Josephine Jauregui, Catherine Foxhoven and John and Pierre Carricaburu. Two cousins, Robert Carricaburu and MaryAnne Matassa, preceded Mary Jeanne in death. Their families join the Minhondo family in expressing gratitude for Mary Jeanne's many selfless acts on their behalf and for the countless hours she spent caring for and teaching their children and grandchildren. Mary Jeanne had a profound impact on many lives and will be greatly missed.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Maronite Catholic Church, 4900 S. Wasatch St., Murray. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. and a rosary will be recited starting at 10:30 a.m. also at the church.
Interment and a graveside service are planned Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Rock Springs Cemetery, 802 Thompson St.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City.
In Loving Memory
Miss Minhondo (as we knew her) was a lovely person and a remarkable teacher. Her influence will be long felt by her students. She was by far one of the better teachers our son had at Lincoln School.
Eleanor Drazovich
Palo Alto, CA
We will surely miss Mary Jeanne in our neighborhood. She was such a happy, warm, and special lady. We will hold dear the years of friendship that we shared. Love and blessings to her family. We will always remember her love and kindness.
Shelton Family
Murray, UT
Mary Jeanne was a great friend for many years. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed.
Loralee Nulph
Levan, UT
I'm very sorry to hear that Mary Jeanne has passed. I had the pleasure of teaching at Washington School with her. She was a dedicated teacher, a great colleague and a friend. I will remember her laugh and how much he cared about students and her colleagues. I'm sending healing thoughts to her friends and family.
Jim Fotter
Seattle, WA
My family is very sorry to hear Mary Jeanne passed on. Our condolences to Eddie, Linda, Patty, Michael, and Bobby and their respective children. Mary Jean was a caring role model to the many kids whom she taught and a friend to many. Freeman Family Armella, John, Susan, and Mary Jean
Susan Freeman
Colorado Springs, CO
I just turned 40, and I still fondly remember Ms. Minhondo reading aloud to us at Washington Elementary. I have often thought of her, and just found out about her passing. I hope it brings her family comfort to know that she lives on in so many memories.
Jennifer Robertson
Hillsboro, OR