Mary Jo Ackerly
Mary Jo Ackerly, 66, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025.
Born to Elizabeth S. (O’Connell) and Peter H. Stangle, Mary Jo lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. A devout Catholic, she was a woman whose kindness and loving spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.
Mary Jo was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Theresa Legarski, and son-in-law, Steve Legarski. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Braden and Brianna Legarski, who brought her immeasurable joy. She was predeceased by her son, John William Counterman III, whom she carried in her heart every day.
She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Beatrice Milford (predeceased) and her husband Fred, Kathryn Metz and her husband Ted, Elizabeth M. DeHart and her husband Ray, Rita Miller, wife of the late Tom Miller, Joseph Stangle and his wife Cheryl, and Frank Stangle and his wife Maureen. Her family was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.
Mary Jo worked at Easton Hospital and Dixie Cup, where she was known not only for her strong work ethic but also for the warmth and kindness she extended to colleagues and patients alike.
Outside of work, Mary Jo found joy in crafting, caring for animals, and spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She loved fishing, and one of her greatest pleasures was traveling to visit family in Texas, Hawaii, and Colorado, where she made lasting memories and shared her loving spirit.
Mary Jo was also deeply passionate about Donate Life America, an organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. In honor of her passion, the family requests that donations be made to Donate Life America in lieu of flowers.
Donations can be made online at www.donatelife.net, or by mail to: Donate Life America, 700 N. 4th Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219
Services will be coordinated by the Finegan Funeral Homes of Phillipsburg & Alpha and held at a later date.
Mary Jo’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed.