Mary Jo Sarrao
1941-2026

Mary Jo was born in Needles, California to Joe and Margaret Gintz and grew up in San Bernardino, California. After graduating from Immaculate Heart College, Mary Jo returned to San Bernardino and began her teaching career and volunteering as a Religious Education teacher at her local Catholic Church.

While teaching and volunteering, Mary Jo met Lou Sarrao, and they were married in 1966. After a brief time in Modesto, California, Lou and Mary Jo returned to Southern California and moved to Mission Viejo in 1971. Mary Jo lived in the same house for almost 55 years, raising three children, John, Mike, and Ann.

As her children became older, Mary Jo returned to teaching and taught preschool at Presbyterian Church of the Master Preschool for more than 27 years. Mary Jo was also an active volunteer at St. Nicholas Catholic Church where she directed (and taught) the First Reconciliation and First Communion program for more than 19 years.

Mary Jo died peacefully after a short illness. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Lou Sarrao. She is survived by her children John (Margie) of Menlo Park, CA, Mike (Kris) of Dove Canyon, CA, and Ann (Patrick) Dopudja of Coto De Caza, CA, and her grandchildren, Daniel and Joseph Sarrao, Ryan and Matt Sarrao, Kellie and Nicole Turcios, and Gianna Dopudja, to whom she was quite devoted.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 2 pm to 4 pm with Rosary at 3 pm at O'Connor Mortuary at 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

A Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, March 2, 2026, at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church at 22082 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary Jo's memory to St. Serra Catholic School, 23652 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Several of Mary Jo's grandchildren attended St. Serra and Gianna is currently a 5 ^th grader at St. Serra.