Mary Jo Harris

December 22, 1952 - November 30, 2025

Obituary

MADISON, WI - Mary Jo Harris, age 72, passed away on Sunday November 30, 2025, at home with her husband after a year-long battle with cancer. Born on December 22, 1952, in Beloit, WI, the daughter of Merlin and Joyce (Mayes) Germain. Mary Jo grew up on a Dairy Farm near Rock City, Illinois and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic church in Irish Grove.

Mary Jo graduated from Dakota Community High School in 1971, Highland Community College in 1973, and Illinois State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. She was employed by the Illinois Extension and various non-profit organizations, before becoming a knitting teacher providing numerous knitting courses at many organizations in Madison and the Midwest. Mary Jo was a member of the Textile Arts Center as well as a longtime member of the Madison Knitters Guild. Mary Jo is also known for being a lifelong collector of everything froggy.

Mary Jo met her husband Michael in Davenport, IA and they were married at Olde St Anne’s Church in rural Scott County Iowa on June 29, 1991. They lived in Davenport until 1997 when they moved to Madison.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband; sister, Ann Foster of St. Anthony, MN; two brothers, Mark (Bonnie) Germain of Haden Kentucky, and Paul Germain of Pecatonica Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Julie Germain.

Memorial services will be held at Ryan Funeral Home in Madison, to be scheduled on a date in the early spring of 2026.

Memorial donations may be made to The Textile Arts Center of Madison, 1702 South Park Street, Madison, WI 53713

Special thanks to the medical staff at UW Hospitals and Clinics and the staff of St. Croix Hospice as well as all her friends who provided her with their loving support.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257

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Jeanette Sundstrom

Friend • 2 months ago

I met Mary Jo when I first joined the knitters guild, and got to know her very well while knitting together at a west side knitting group. Jo always had something witty to share, and certainly had a vast knowledge of all things knitting she was always willing to share. She will be missed.

Jerry Pedersen

Friend • 2 months ago

Mary Jo was one of the kindest people I've ever meet. I knew her from Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival held every Mothers Day in Minnesota. She taught many fiber classes - always for the entire 2 days no matter how many people registered. She was always smiling . . . helping so many students' create and improve their fiber skills!

Kellie L Miller

Friend • 3 months ago

I met Mary Jo in the early 1990”s - with shared joy of volunteer management. Because of Mary Jo working as the volunteer service manager at the DCHS, I found the furry love of my life! Mary Jo and I were in a fantastic group of girlfriends affectionately named MGirls! For over 30 years MGirls gathered to support, celebrate, mourn, share daily lives and lots of food and laughter- I will never see a frog or have a cup of home made soup without thinking of my dear friend Mary Jo. Missing you dear friend Love Kellie M. My condolences to Mike and those who had the joy of knowing Mary Jo.

Ada Lai