Mary Jo Woods Obituary
Mary Josephine (Ierardi) Woods, lovingly known as Mary Jo, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the age of 75. A longtime resident of Rockport Massachusetts, Mary Jo's life was defined by her boundless love for her family and friends, and joy she found in the simple, beautiful moments of everyday life. Mary Jo was known for her bubbly laugh, infectious smile, and warm presence.
Born and raised in Lowell, Mary Jo was the daughter of the late Dr. Philip Ierardi and Mary (Sullivan) (Ierardi) Donohoe. She spent her summers on Long Beach in Rockport, a place that would remain her heart's home throughout her life. After attending Sacred Heart School in Lowell and Notre Dame Academy in Tyngsboro, she went on to build a life rooted in love and family.
Mary Jo was the devoted wife of Dana "Buddy" Woods, with whom she shared 42 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter, delicious meals, and cherished traditions. She was a loving mother to her sons, Justin Mierz, Stefan Mierz, and her daughter, Maura (Woods) Pelletier. Her greatest joy came from being a grandmother to Ava Mae Mierz and Sadie Mierz, who were the light of her life. In 2008, Mary Jo closed her beloved Sandy Bay Shoppe after 28 years of operation on Bearskin Neck so she could dedicate her time to caring for her granddaughters. Whether pushing a stroller through Rockport, attending story time at the library, or spending hours at the playground, Mary Jo's happiest moments were those spent with her granddaughters. In recent years, Mary Jo could be found on the sidelines or stands at Ava and Sadie's soccer, field hockey, basketball, and softball games. Her presence and joyful support will be deeply missed.
Mary Jo was a talented cook and baker and obsessed about getting the recipe just right. Self-critique after the first bite of any meal was one of her lovable quirks. Her spaghetti and meatballs with sweet tomato sauce was a family favorite. She also delighted in sending her children and grandchildren home with leftovers and dessert always with a playful reminder to bring back her Tupperware containers for next time!
Mary Jo also had a passion for gardening. She was meticulous in the care of her perennial garden and took great pride in the arrangement of foliage and vibrant colors. Her gardens reflected her care, patience, and love — qualities she shared with all who knew her. Mary Jo also enjoyed sharing her gardening experience with others and was honored with a garden of the year award by the Rockport Garden Club.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband Buddy, her children Justin and partner Virginia, Stefan and his partner Heather, and Maura and her husband Joe, and granddaughters Ava Mae and Sadie. She also leaves behind her brothers Phil Ierardi and his wife Cheryl, and Paul Ierardi and his wife Marie; sisters Lisa (Donohoe) Mooney, Shelagh Donohoe, and Kara Donohoe; aunts Anne Fox, Sister Janet Sullivan and Virginia "Ginger" Sullivan and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her sister-in-law Mary Helen MacLeod and her husband Glen MacLeod also held a special place in her life. Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Philip Ierardi and Mary Donohoe, and step-father, Fred Donohoe.
Her presence, laughter, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but the memories she created will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visiting hours will be held at Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Friday, April 4th from 4 PM to 7 PM. A graveside service will be held at Beech Grove Cemetery in Rockport on Saturday, April 5th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (http://fundraising.stjude.org), an organization that held a special place in her heart.
