It is with heavy hearts we announce MaryJo O’Brian joined her heavenly Serbian family circle on July 23, 2024 at the age of 72.
Born on July 2, 1952, in Helena, Montana, MaryJo grew up surrounded by a large, loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom she remained exceptionally close throughout her entire life. Her bond with her family was unique and deeply cherished, contributing to the warmth and compassion she shared with everyone around her. She discovered her passion for teaching at a young age and pursued it with unwavering dedication, earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Montana State University and later obtaining her master’s degree from Lesley College (now Lesley University). She began her teaching career at Ray Bjork School and went on to teach at Broadwater School, ultimately ending her distinguished 43-year career at Rossiter School. Throughout her tenure, she impacted the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, and genuine care.
MaryJo was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light to her students. Known for her innovative teaching methods and her ability to make every student feel valued, she was adored by all who had the privilege of being in her classroom. Her legacy is one of love, patience, and an unyielding belief in the potential of every student.
Outside of the classroom, MaryJo enjoyed spending time with family, friends and her beloved dogs, Dancer, Squiggy, and Rolo. Her love for her family and pets brought her immense joy and comfort.
MaryJo was preceded in death by her parents, Milan and Josephine Kovich. She is survived by her brothers, Greg (Cathy) Kovich and Paul (Tammy) Kovich; her nieces, Karyn (Blake) Libby and Katelyn (Matt) Enriquez; and her very special grandnieces, Marlowe and Brinley Libby and Milana Enriquez. She also leaves behind a close-knit and loving family of cousins and a cherished group of friends.
In lieu of a service, please consider a donation to the Angel Fund, a local nonprofit helping needy Helena School District children with school items, in honor of MaryJo’s lifelong dedication to education.
MaryJo O’Brian’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of MaryJo’s Life is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025 in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 17, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 17, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Doug Baker says
My condolences on MaryJo’s passing. I enjoyed working with her at Rossiter toward the end of her career. She definitely left an indelible mark on many students and staff.
Marianna Cridee says
I taught with Mary Jo at Rossiter. I loved to watch and hear her talk science to her students. Her presentation was an absolute gift to those children.
allison mcgree says
What a great teacher! My 5th grade teacher at Ray Bjork. Now, as a teacher myself I know how lucky I was. She’s one of the teachers I remember so vividly. That schooll.
,Ray Bjork, was a dream (in my opinion).
Thank you Mrs. O, you made a huge difference in so many lives, including mine. I appreciate you and feel the pain of losing an incredible human. You were SO loved.
Sending her family all of the appreciation, she was one of a kind .
Ray Bjork Ram
Allison McGree
Rebekka Dodge says
Paul/Greg, families…I am so very sad that she is no longer with us on this planet. I have such poignant memories of our childhood. Walking to Hiway Market, playing barbies, and so many other things. I loved her basement bedroom and all the intriguing perfume bottles and other fascinating trinkets. I would not have such a love for piano if she hadn’t played and sang for me. Those were treasured moments. She will live on in my memories for so many reasons. Life was never boring when she was around. I send my condolences and will miss our times in the neighborhood. They are treasured memories.
Anne M Blotkamp says
My heart is breaking. Mary Jo (MJ) was a dear friend and colleague. We had so much fun teaching at Ray Bjork, working with our first grade/fifth grade buddies and working on our masters together. It was a magical time and I will always hold those memories close to my heart. To her family- she did indeed love you all deeply. She loved sharing stories of you all, especially Katelyn and Karyn. She was so, so proud of you girls.
Hugs to you all and hope you find peace in knowing MJ’s impact on so many people will carry her light onward.
Nancy Tyanich says
Greg, Cathy, Paul, Tammy, Karen and Katelyn, I’m so dirty to hear about Mary Jo! She was a wonderful lady who so much enjoyed her family. One memory I have is when MJ and I were saying goodbyes she’d blow me a kiss and I’d blow her a kiss, we caught the kisses in our hands and put in on our hearts. She’ll be missed. I love you all
Kim Parvinen says
I am saddened to see this. Miss O’Brian was an absolute blessing to my boys when they had her, as well as a blessing to me. Words can’t describe how much she did for her students. She has forever left a mark on all the lives she has touched. My thoughts and prayers to all her loved ones. May you feel the presence of the Lord and His comfort and healing.
Marquis Baber says
I loved having Ms. O’Brian as my 5th grade science teacher at Rossiter, she was an amazing soul and made learning fun, rest easy Ms. O’Brian
Fran says
Ms. O’Brian taught my kids at Ray Bjork. She was lovely and dear. Will never forget her saying to parents with a struggling child, “just let me talk to this mom about her her amazing daughter,” as I waited for my turn on parent/teacher conference night.
Deeply sad to learn of her passing. She made a difference in the life of so many!
Sending love and comfort tp her family –
Pam Tyree says
Mary Jo was such a sweet person. We always were seated next to each other in grade school because she was Kovick and I was Kovick! Mary Jo will be missed. . Condolences to her family. RIP friend
Pam (Kovick) Tyree
Jaclyn Haven says
Mrs. O was my amazing 5th grade teacher at Ray Bjork. She cared so deeply for all of her students and I’ll always remember her extra compassion and kindness when my family was dealing with a serious health issue that year. Rest in Peace, Mrs. O — I hope you’re driving a cool red sports car in heaven. You will be remembered forever.
Kristen Cates Caldwell says
Mrs. O was one of the best teachers ever! I loved being one of her fifth-grade students at Ray Bjork where she and all my beloved teachers nurtured my love for writing! I remember her vividly and all of the work she and Mrs. B did with the first-fifth-grade buddies program, the fifth grade invention convention and so much more! More personally, she was THERE for me (as all my RB teachers were) as my mom was dying. Ray Bjork was a special community. Really, one-of-kind. Those of us who were lucky to learn from Mrs. O, Ms. J,. Mrs. Hofland, Mrs. Martin and Mrs. B., well, we were just lucky! My condolences to the O’Brian family as you mourn this extraordinary woman!
Patrick Cates says
Mrs. O.
What an impact she made on so many lives! She was one of the teachers that inspired me to pursue the field of education. Ray Bjork was special place and part of our identity for the students that went there. Mrs. O. is one of the pillars that made Ray Bjork what it was, and she will be dearly missed.
Sandi Smith says
I worked with Maryjo when I was the Educational Technology Specialist. She was eager to learn how to implement technology into her classroom. She always signed up to bring her students to the tech lab and worked hard to use technology with her students. She was a patient and endearing teacher. Her students loved her. She outgoing and a very sweet person. I really enjoyed her as a colleague and as a teacher. I know she has a special place in Heaven.
Peggy Fine says
I substituted for Mary Jo for a few years. She was a wonderful teacher! May u rest in peace! You will be missed!