Mary Jo Luck, 1948-2000

Mary Jo Luck passed away peacefully at Riverside Methodist Hospital on Thursday, November 16, 2000 with her family at her side. Her 51 years were filled with family friends, and service to the community. She was born on December 21, 1948. Survived by her husband, Jim Luck; daughter, Marissa Geier, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire; son, Philip H. Geier, II, a junior at Linworth Alternative School in Worthington; step-sons, Andrew Luck and Edward Luck; sisters, Bonnie Hall of Burbank, CA, Margaret Persell of San Diego, CA, Jeanne Papania of San Diego, CA, Carolee Pichler of Lakewood, OH; brother, John Persell of Red Bluff, CA; and father, Louis Persell of Bratenahl, OH; as well as a hot of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. She served as Vice President, Public Affairs for National City Bank of Columbus since 1991,where she directed communications, public relations, corporate contributions, civic programs, and served as the corporate liaison for community organizations and programs. Received a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame College of Ohio and a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Prior to joining National City, Mary Jo was corporate relations manager for the East Ohio Gas Company, Cleveland. She also held positions as the East Ohio food industry marketing manager; director dietetic internship program; adjunct professor at CWRU; and nutritionist for the Cuyahoga Area Agency on Aging. Mary Jo was an active volunteer for many Cleveland and Columbus civic and charitable organizations. She served on the board of the Ohio Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; Notre Dame College; Science and Mathematics Network of Central Ohio; YMCA of Central Ohio; Jazz Arts Group of Columbus; and the Neighborhood Partnership Advisory Board. Past board involvement includes; Cleveland Dietetic Association - President Ohio Dietetic Association - Treasurer and Delegate elect; Grantmakers Forum - Steering Committee; LISC Advisory Committee Member; Women's City Club Foundation - Trustee; Cleveland Playhouse Square - Sounding Board; and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame - Communications. In addition to serving on boards, Mary Jo assumed leadership for several funraising efforts. Her fundraising support included: United Way of Franklin County-assistant campaign chair; UNCP - Cenral Ohio; Ohio Founation for Independent Colleges; YMCA capital committee; The Leadership Prayer Breakfast; Recreation Unlimited; Law Enforcement Foundation; Kiwanis Duck Race; and Columbus State University. Mary Jo made a tremendous commitment to helping youn people give to others. Some of her key volunteer efforts for youth included her work with the Ohio Avenue Elementary Adopt-a-School Enrichment Program; YMCA Future of America Award; City Year Young Heroes; and YWCA Bright Futures Award. She also served as chair of the YMCA Future of American Steering Committee, member of the Race for the Cure Grant making Committee, and judge of the Columbus Dispatch Community Service Awards. Most recently, the Governing Committee of the Columbus Foundation announced the creation of the Mary Jo and Jim Luck Award. The award will recognize those who, like Mary Jo, give from the heart to touch lives and build better communities. It will fund programs that help train young people to give back to their community, volunteer efforts that meet human needs, and initiatives that enrich the educational experiences of children. The smiling heart is the symbol of this award, which Mary Jo often used in her correspondence. Mary Jo received the following awards: Mid Town Corridor Marketing Award; March of Dimes Distinguished Volunteer Leadership Award; Cleveland Dietetic Association Award of Distinguished Service; American Gas Association Commercial Marketing Award; Ohio Dietetic Association Member Merit Award; American Dietetic Association Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award; Outstanding Young Women of America Award