Mary-Jo
F. Aarestad, 87, of Carlisle, died on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Thornwald Home, Carlisle. She was
born March 20, 1930 in Woodbridge, NJ, and was the daughter of the late William and Josephine Finn. She
is survived by her husband of 66 years, James, one daughter, Elizabeth Luster of Carlisle and four grandchildren; Daniel,
William, Emma and Henry.
Mary-Jo graduated from Woodbridge High School as Valedictorian and earned
her bachelor of arts degree from the College of William and Mary. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, designated
as the Exeter Scholar and was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
A dedicated
Army wife of over 30 years, she supported Jim and the troops of his commands. She was a Red Cross Gray
Lady and earned the Clara Barton Medal for her ten years of service in Germany.
An exacting
wordsmith, early on, she was a training literature editor at the Transportation School at Fort Eustis, VA, and followed in
later years with positions with American Aviation Publications and the Systems Development Corporation.
Following
up her Pi Beta Phi days at William and Mary, she served for many years as the House Corporation President of the Dickinson
College Chapter. Known as “Mrs A” by all, the membership was sustained by her love and leadership.
Finally, as a passionate and gifted gardener, flowers bloomed wherever she ventured, even now as the courtyard of her
church, St. John’s Episcopal attests.
A Memorial Service will begin
at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2017 in the St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1A North Hanover St, Carlisle, with Rev.
Adam Kradel officiating. Fellowship will follow the service in the church parish hall. Interment will be held
at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is in charge of the arrangements.
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