Mary Jo Vanden Boogaard, Kaukauna, age 54 died Monday January 10, 2011 at her home. She was born August 25, 1956 to Joseph and Cecilia (Schuh) Smet. Mary Jo married Bryan Vanden Boogaard on July 26th 1980 at Sacred Heart Parish in Sherwood. She enjoyed camping, sewing and traveling and cherished time spent with family and friends. Mary Jo was a loving wife and mother who has touched many people's hearts throughout her lifetime. Among friends and family she was known for her kindness, her quick wit, her love of life and her endless devotion towards those she loved. Mary Jo also was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Bryan; children: Becky (Chris) Burns, Kaukauna; Jaren (special friend Jamie Thompson), Kaukauna; and Eric of Kaukauna; parents: Joseph and Cecelia (Schuh) Smet; siblings: Jane (Robert) Schaefer, Patricia (Dennis) Dakins, Sandra (David) Broeren, Joseph (Laura) Smet; sisters-in-law: Dawn (Mark) Van Oss and Lynn (Dan) Peerenboom; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her nephew, Luke Peerenboom; and father and mother-in-law James "Big Jim" and Helen Vanden Boogaard.

Visitation will be held Saturday January 15, 2011 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH (2401 Main Ave. Kaukauna) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow Mass in the church cafeteria. The Rev. Jerry Pastors will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

We extend a special thanks out to Dr. Avi Bar Lev and all the nurses, doctors and staff at Martha Siekman Cancer Center and hospital who have touched her life over the past four years. We also like to extend a special thanks to all the members of hospice, family and friends who helped take care of Mary Jo in her final days.