Obituary of Mary Johanna Hall
Mary Johanna Bodnovich was born at home in Pontiac, Michigan on January 12, 1932. She was the second of four children born to George and Verna Bodnovich. Jo graduated from Pontiac High School with the Class of 1949. Although she was never routinely employed as a hairdresser, Jo obtained her Beautician's License as a young woman and did hair for family and friends for several years. But earlier in high school while working at the local drug store is when she crossed paths with her future spouse. On November 26, 1949, she wed Roy J. Hall, whom she remained deeply devoted to her entire life.
In 1961 the couple fulfilled the dream of owning their own business and purchased the "Rustic Lodge" on Telegraph Road in Erie, Michigan. The Rustic featured live country western bands five nights a week, and dancing to Toledo's finest Polka Bands on Sunday afternoons. For over thirty years, Jo tended the bar several nights a week, managed the wait staff, and did the payroll, all while tending to the needs of her family at home. Following the sale of the Rustic, Jo was not one to stay idle even after so much success. She went to work at the newly opend Target store on Alexis Rd in Toledo for another 15 years, finally retiring in 2007. With an impressive sum in her 401K she thought was pretty cool!
Jo paid close attention as a young girl, learning her way around the kitchen from her own mother. A talented cook and baker, it was said that Jo's baked ham was better than the famous Honey Baked Ham Company's. She also made delicious "potato salad", "pecan pie", peanut butter cookies" and "date torte".
Make no mistake, Family came first with Jo The majority of her God given talent, ambition, and energy was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and husband, making sure their needs were always met, truly selfless. And let's not forget, Jo was an animal lover too, she always had a canine companion.
Mary Johanna "Jo" Hall, age 91 of Erie, Michigan passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday; June 21, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband of sixty-four years: Roy J. Hall; a son: Timothy Hall; a sister: Anna Mae White; and twin brothers: Gregory and Gerald Bodnovich.
To cherish her memory she leaves a son: Daniel Hall (Irene Plizga) of Clinton Township, Michigan; two daughters: Peggy Hall of Erie and Tamara Hall (Monica Offman) of Erie: a daughter-in-law: Ginny Hall; a grandson: Timothy Hall; three step-grandchildren: Tara Forand, Mat (Sarah) Plizga, and Andy Plizga; three great grandchildren: Makayla, Jameson, and Lucy; four step-great grandchildren: Aubrey, Ben, Olivia, and Tommy; and canine companion: "Molly", a Beagle-Dachshund mix Jo rescued at one year old.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The care, information, and services they provide is only surpassed by the compassionate and knowledgeable people that represent throughout the organization. These folks are amazing! A very very special thank you to family friend and neighbor Janet Connolly, mother, nurse, schoolteacher. The level of peace and comfort Jo experienced in her final few weeks could not have been achieved without her help and determination. Thank You!
A Celebration of Jo's life will take place at a later date. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7911. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
