Mary Jo Brooker, 79, passed away peacefully in Fredericksburg, TX on February 12, 2019.

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History at Daemon College, her Master of Science degree in Elementary Education at Buffalo State Teachers College, and did doctorial work at Texas A&M

University. A leader in education starting at age 21, she began her career with the Department of Defense as a civilian teacher for the Air Force in Newfoundland, France, and England. She continued teaching in Colorado, New York, and Texas.

She moved into administration in 1983 as an assistant principal at Holleman Elementary in Waller, TX. Mary Jo was offered her first principalship at the same school in 1984. She was the principal at Roberts Road Elementary School in Waller, 1985-1992.

In 1992, Mary Jo moved to the Texas hill country, working as the principal of Marble Falls Intermediate School, 1992-1993, and as the Marble Falls ISD Curriculum Director, 1993-1994. She then moved to Fredericksburg ISD and served as principal at Fredericksburg Primary School for two years, 1994-1996, and principal of Fredericksburg Elementary School for nine years, 1996-2005.

After retiring, she was adjunct professor at The State University of New York at Fredonia, 2006-2007, and was adjunct instructor at Texas Tech for six years, 2009- 2015. She supervised Tech Teach across Texas, a teacher preparation program, for two years as the coordinator.

An old friend fondly  recalled Mary Jo by stating her two passions in life: her family and her profession. She was destined to be a leader in education. Driven by passion, she was quite vocal when change needed to be initiated. She believed in all of us; she could push us in ways that made us want to excel. A mentor, a mom to many, and a great leader, she guided us to reach our highest potential. She will live on forever because she taught so many.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marrietta Louise Pouthier, her brothers, Michael Pouthier and John  Pouthier  (Jean).

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Tubbs (Shane), grandchildren, Cami and Audrey Tubbs, brothers Peter Pouthier, Mark Pouthier (Susie), and Chris Pouthier (Sally), her sister Nancy Anderson (Andy), and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:15 a.m., Monday, February 18 ^th , in St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Jo Brooker Grant for Student Teachers (checks made out to GCRTA),  New Education Foundation at FISD, Child Services Board of Gillespie County, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hill Country University Center, or the charity of one's choice.