Mary Jean Shatto, 81 of Phillipsburg, New Jersey passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Anthony Mullen and Frances (Kosmider) Mullen. She left behind a loving family including daughter Eve Shatto Walton, daughter Ann Frances Shatto, son Donald Eugene Shatto II, son Kirk Anthony Shatto, son-in-law David Walton, daughter-in-law Anne Shatto, two grandchildren, Harrison and Grace Shatto, dear friends Shirl Gross and Carolyn Szela, and her beloved canine companions Hannah and Coal. Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Judy Mullen and aunt Ann Kosmider.

Mary Jean always wanted to be a blessing, and share the joy, comfort, and help she found in her relationship with Jesus. She was passionate, and hoped others would have that same experience. Her bubbly, fun personality always shown through and her smile was beautiful. She had so many interests and was wildly enthusiastic about all of them; cows, books, farms, flowers, full moons, her chippies (chipmunks), balloons, old movies, poofy gift bags, cardinals, and celery (yes, celery!). She made everything an adventure, from her trip to Maine to see a real moose to her everyday walks around the neighborhood.

Mary Jean was a beacon of kindness and worked tirelessly sharing her love with others. She began her career at the Milwaukee Journal and continued to write incredible personal stories throughout her life. She put herself through nursing school and alone raised four children. After retiring from a long career as a nurse, she began volunteering at a large charitable thrift shop. She was constantly on the prowl for unique and sometimes extravagant items that she purchased and then gifted to others in hundreds of care packages. She hand-delivered or mailed the packages to US military personnel abroad, needy children and families, her beloved grandchildren, and countless others, who she just wanted to reach out to with some small token of kindness and love. She also volunteered and worked tirelessly for her daughter’s animal rescue organization Annie’s Orphans. She took a personal interest in each dog’s story, interviewing applicants, and ensuring that the dog was placed in the perfect and compatible home.

Throughout her life she had very little and asked for nothing, yet was enormously gracious and generous and always thankful. She taught us to run to the needy and downtrodden instead of turning away. Her child-like enthusiasm and passion was ever present and contagious. You didn't dare tell her about something you really liked, unless you wanted to receive dozens of packages containing more and more of them. Her hand-written notes, enthusiastic telephone calls and emails always brought joy to our hearts. She loved to meet new people and would talk to anyone. She was always surprising and delighting us with her unique adaptations of common words and phrases. She was very proud of her Polish heritage and above all else was Christian through and through. Mary Jean was a unique and precious soul and an incredible blessing to so many. Her gifts were always from the heart. She flew away way too soon. We love her and miss her so much.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Annie’s Orphans at https://anniesorphans.com/don….