Mary Jo (Flanary) Aiken

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Aiken, Mary Jo Funeral Services and Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mary Jo Aiken (nee Flanary), 90, resident of Edina, MN on Saturday, November 11th 11:00 am at Christ The King Catholic Church, 5029 Zenith Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55410. The family will greet friends from 9:30- 11:00. The Funeral Mass will be immediately following. Mary Jo passed away peacefully on Saturday Oct. 28th, 2017 in Edina, MN. Mary Jo Aiken (nee Flanary) was born July 16, 1927 in St. Charles, MN; daughter of the late Dr. James and Josephine Flanary. Also preceded in death by brothers Robert, James Bernard and Richard. Survived by brother Lawrence (Milwaukee, WI). She was united in marriage to Frank L. Aiken, Jr. on December 26, 1953 in St. Charles, MN. They were married for 63 wonderful years. They had four children Maureen Marlow (Inver Grove Heights, MN), the late Frank Aiken, III (wife JoAnn Hackensack, MN), Daniel (Brooklyn Center, MN), and Erin O'Brien (nee Aiken) and husband Casy (Chicago, IL); four grandchildren Matthew and fiancee Donnea (Hackensack, MN), Mary and fiance Tony (Richfield, MN), Meghan Groth (nee O'Brien) and husband William (Joliet, IL), Connor (St. Paul, MN); great grandchildren Peyton (Richfield, MN), Cormac and Kennedy (Joliet, IL). Mary Jo Aiken was a leader in the field of mathematics and teaching. Mary Jo received her degree from College of St Theresa's in Winona, MN, and was one of the first women to receive her MA from the University of St Thomas in St Paul, MN. She was a Catholic high school teacher and Department Head for mathematics for 43 years! She was pioneering in bringing science and computers into the classroom and has been recognized and decorated by many organizations, including, The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education-presented by President Reagan, and a contributor to Educational publications with NASA. She worked many years as a mediator with the Archdioceses of St Paul. She was a keynote speaker with NCTM (National Committee for Teachers and Mathematics) for many years. She was an example for many women and girls in a predominantly male-dominated field and opened doors for many. She taught the advanced and challenged with equal passion and believed that everyone had mathematical potential. She left no one behind in her classes. She took time for all who needed her extra help and tutored many extra hours. Mary Jo Aiken was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved to travel, especially road trips with her husband, Frank. She had an infectious smile and an adventurous spirit. She was a member of the Morningside Women's Club, was active in her parish, loved her garden and was a wonderful cook. She will be missed by so many.

Published on November 5, 2017