Mary Jo (Long) Sesow

Mrs. Mary Jo (Long) Sesow, of Lexington, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Waterstone at Lexington Senior Living. She was 94. 

Jo Long was born January 29, 1930, in Springfield, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Carl Parker Long and Eva (Allender) Long. Raised in Romney, West Virginia, she graduated from Romney High School and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Physical Education from West Virginia University. While in school, she was a member of the WVU women’s basketball team. Later, after graduating, she began her teaching career in Pennsylvania, while also playing part of a season of women’s professional baseball. 

Jo taught biology and PE in Williamsport PA, Falls Church, VA and at the Naval Air Station Sangley Point High School.

She met her future husband, naval officer Anthony D. Sesow, on a blind date in Washington, D. C. They married on July 10, 1954, in Romney WV with a reception following at her parents’ home. During Tony’s thirty-year Navy career, Jo and Tony lived near many Navy bases around the U.S. and later in the Philippines, Hawaii, and Germany. They returned after Tony’s retirement and spent many happy years in Fairfax, Virginia where they put down roots. Anthony died September 6, 2012, and in 2022 Jo moved to Massachusetts to be closer to family. 

Jo was a sports enthusiast and loved cheering on various teams, particularly West Virginia University. She belonged to the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington VA where she honed her skills in tennis, golf, and swimming and contributed to winning seasons for club teams. She kept her mind and hands equally as occupied with sewing, quilting and the daily crossword puzzle. She volunteered for Pets on Wheels, visiting hospitals with her beloved poodles.

In addition to her husband, Anthony, she was predeceased by her brothers, Raymond Long and Edward Long, and her sisters, Irene Mae Long and Martha “Molly” (Long) Noll. 

She leaves her children, Timothy S. Sesow (Karen) of Littleton, Colorado and Elizabeth S. Wissler (John) of Waltham, MA; her grandchildren, Matthew A. Sesow, Stephen M. Sesow, John A. Wissler (Laura Macdougall), Joseph C. Wissler, Laurie W. Nowatzke (Matthew); her great-grandchildren, Charlotte G. and Holly F. Wissler, and Kal B. and Owen A. Nowatzke. She is also survived by many loving nieces & nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Mary Jo's life by gathering at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA where a graveside ceremony and committal of cremains will be held at time to be announced. (tentative plans are Fall 2025) Those desiring to attend, please visit this link: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending-a-Funeral

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Pets on Wheels, 12011 Government Center Pkwy #708, Fairfax, VA 22035 or https://www.fpow.org/or to The American Lung Association at https://www.lung.org/