On a peaceful Sunday morning, September 22, 2024, at 9:31 a.m., the world lost a bright and beautiful soul. Ms. Mary Jo "MJ" Lamb, 89, of Elkhart, passed away surrounded by love. Bornon November 6, 1934, in Elkhart to Joseph J. and Mabel O. (Bumpus) Dusek, MJ lived her life with a joyful heart, an unstoppable spirit, and more than a dash of sass. She worked diligently for many years as an administrative assistant at Kemberly Inc. Recreational Vehicle Supply in Elkhart.

MJ was a woman of many talents. She was an accomplished musician, particularly gifted with the clarinet, piano, and organ. For years, she shared her musical talents by teaching clarinet to eager students, passing on her passion and knowledge to the next generation. MJ also played with the Elkhart Municipal Band, filling the community with the sweet sounds of her clarinet. She even played with a German band for a spell, proving that her versatility knew no bounds! MJ also had a love for antiques and owned many beautiful pieces.

Her greatest pride and joy, however, was her family. She is survived by her loving daughters, Susie (Gary) Tucker of Union, Michigan, Cathy (Jorge) Bremer of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, who will forever carry her wit, wisdom, and warmth in their hearts. MJ also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews. Diane (Nick) Burakow of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, Julie (Charles) Hunt of Elkhart, Joe Spencer (Nancy) of Nobleville, Indiana, Mike Cripe of Elkhart, Indiana and Charlie (Susie) Lamb of Middlebury, Indiana. MJ is preceded in death by her former spouse and father to her daughters William E. "Bill" Lamb, sisters Beverly J. Spencer and Judith A. Cripe, and her sister-in-law, Jackie Lamb, all with whom she is now joyfully reunited. She was a dear friend to many, especially her long-time friends Nancy Nesbitt and Cheryl Farmer who she loved to do many fun things with!

Friends and family are invited to celebrate MJ's life with a memorial visitation to be held at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A private burial will follow at Rice Cemetery where MJ will be laid to rest with her loved ones around her.

The family of Mary Jo would also like to thank the caring nursing staff at Greencroft Knoll, and the Goshen Health Hospice. You all are amazing!

The family kindly suggests donating MJ's memory to the Elkhart Humane Society or simply raising a glass and toasting to a life well-lived.

Though MJ's time on this earth has come to an end, her music, laughter, and love will continue to echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her. May we all live a little more like MJ—embracing life's joys, big and small, with a full heart and a wide smile.

Elkhart County Humane Society
54687 County Road 19, Bristol IN 46507
Tel: 1-574-848-4225
Web: http://www.info@elkharthumanesociety.org