1941-2026
Mary J. “Jo” McKnight, 85, of Center Street, St. Mary’s, passed away peacefully after a brief illness with her loving children by her side on Monday, March 30, 2026.
She was born on February 16, 1941 in DuBois, PA to Peter & Angela Nellie (Mikulski) Uhrin. In July 1961 she married John “Jack” McKnight who preceded her in death on October 15, 2022.
Mary Jo graduated from DuBois High school and relocated to St. Mary’s after marrying Jack. In her early years she raised her children and worked at CSI Accounting Firm. She had a strong political sense and duty and worked many years at the local voting polls in St. Mary’s and as a judge of election. Mary Jo enjoyed greatly working for Oak Manor, retiring at 82 years of age. While at Oak Manor she nurtured relations with many of the residents and co-workers who became like family to her.
Her greatest accomplishments were as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She also found joy working in her garden. She was very creative, growing flowers and making arrangements. Mary Jo also had a great love for reading and was always so grateful for the staff at the St. Mary’s Library recommending books for her to read during her illness. She was a proud member of the NRA and equally proud of completing the gun safety course and attaining a permit to carry in her later years.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Teresa Smiley of DuBois, PA and Rose Levanduski of Cleveland, OH.
Mary Jo is survived by her daughter Jackie (Faisal) El-Awar and son John J. McKnight Jr. and his friend Barry Rudasill of St. Mary’s, three grandsons, Paul Costanzo, T.J. (Erica) Costanzo, and Michael (Stephanie) Costanzo and three great grandchildren, Louie, Hudson and Rosie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10am with Rev. Tom Curry O.S.B. as celebrant. Burial will follow at the St Michael Catholic Cemetery in DuBois.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church St., St. Mary’s, PA 15857, the Saint Mary’s Public Library, 127 Center St., St. Mary’s, PA 15857, or Penn Highlands Community Nurses Hospice Memorial Fund, 757 Johnsonburg Rd., St. Mary’s, PA 15857.
Online condolences can be made at www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com . The Leo Nedza Funeral Home of DuBois has been entrusted with final arrangements.
