Mary Jo (Medich) Kaser

April 15, 1951 - Sept. 4, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Mary Jo (Medich) Kaser passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 4, 2010, in her home surrounded by her loving family. Mary Jo was born on April 15, 1951, in South Bend, Indiana, to Mike and Lillian (Pasalich) Medich.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted family who were always by her side during the duration of her illness: sons, Charles and his wife, Dawn, Aaron Kaser and his significant other, Leslie Ann Bloss. Her precious grandchildren, Max and Mila Kaser, father, Mike Medich, sister, Julie (Vuckovich) Narancich, and her husband, Michael Narancich Jr.; nieces, Bianca (Jason) Koski and their son, Brayden, Briana (Seja) and Mileva (Kosa) Vuckovich; mother and father-in-law, Alan and Millie Kaser of North Liberty; sister-in-law, Anita (Kaser) Shipley, and brother-in-law, Roy (Diena) Kaser; nephew, Casey (Kaci) Shipley and their son, Hunter; nieces, Victoria Shipley, Ashley, Alyssa, Addison Kaser; and many aunts, cousins and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillian (Pasalich) Medich; husband, Alan Kaser; and grandparents, Nicholas and Mary Medich, Milan and Julia Pasalich.

Mary Jo graduated from Riley High School and attended Butler University in Indianapolis. Upon graduation from Butler University, Mary Jo was employed by the South Bend Community School Corporation for 37 years as a vocal music teacher and most recently the Fine Arts Facilitator. Her many gifts of music included serving as an adjunct professor at Bethel College, teaching music theory for elementary education, section leader of the Michiana Boys Choir, and numerous boards involving the arts. Throughout her time at the South Bend Community Schools, she touched the lives of numerous students as she taught them the appreciation of music and the arts. She was so very proud of all of her students and often referred to them as "my kids." She especially treasured watching and supporting her sons and their friends at many football, basketball, baseball games and band activities at Riley High School and Southeast Little League.

We will always remember Mary Jo for all she has done for her family, friends, colleagues and students. Her boundless generosity of time and gifts to others were always a priority in her life for all of her family and friends. Mary Jo was loved by so many throughout her short time with us and will be greatly missed. She was a member of the Saints Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church in South Bend and also sang with the Aleksa Shantich Serbian Orthodox Church Choir and filled in when needed as director. She truly loved singing with the Church School children as they prepared for holiday programs. May her memory be eternal.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, in Saints Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church, 59250 Keria Trail, South Bend, Indiana. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the funeral services. Reverend Father Sasa Nedic will officiate. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saints Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. A "Mary Jo Kaser" Fine Arts Scholarship Fund has been created and will be given to a graduating senior entering college with an interest in the Arts. Donations may be sent to the South Bend Community School Corporation, 215 South St. Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601. to attention of Administrative Services. Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, visit our website www.zahoran.com, or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home. 

Teacher's Prayer I want to teach my students how to live this life on earth, to face its struggles and its strife and to improve their worth. Not just the lesson in a book or how the rivers flow, but how to choose the proper path wherever they may go. To understand eternal truth and know the right from wrong and gather all the beauty of a flower and a song. For if I help the world to grow in wisdom and in grace, and then I shall feel that I have won and I have filled my place. And so I ask your guidance, God, that I may do my part for character and confidence and happiness of heart. ~James J. Metcalf

Published by South Bend Tribune on Sep. 6, 2010.

07/05/2023 EJS

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