Mary Jo Ondracek, 80, died Monday, March 29, 2010 in Allen, TexasPrayer Vigil - was held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, April 4, 2010 Funeral Mass- was held at 10:00 am Monday, April 5, 2010 at St. Anthonys Catholic Church with Fr. Scott L. RaefBurial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Dalhart, Texas. Horizon Funeral HomeMary Josephine French was born September 22, 1929 in Borger, Texas to William and Annunciata (Pecorella) French. Raised in Borger, Mary Jo attended Amarillo College (1947-1949) and West Texas State University where she graduated in 1951 with a BA in Education. She also received her Master Degree at WTAMU. Mary Jo French married Francis Ondracek on August 24, 1953 in Borger, Texas. Mary Jo taught school for over forty years in many school districts including Dumas, Dalhart, Channing, Hartley, and El Paso. She was best known as a Special Education Specialist.. Mary Jo began her list of accomplishments early in life when she was awarded the Red Cross Award for High School Groups entertainment of U.S. Troops. From there the highlights of her awards, recognitions and contributions include Teacher of the Year at North Ward School, Beta Psi Woman of the Year, Dallam Hartley County citizen of the Year, Noted Woman of the South, received the Golden Nail Award for work spreading the Arts in the Panhandle, special Education Advocate fighting to help challenged students to graduate from High School with mainstream students. Mary Jo was a Girl Scout, leader and trainer for over 68 years. Past performer and understudy in the play Texas in Palo Duro Canyon. For the past 15 years she has been active in the establishment and growth of the La Rita Theater. Mary Jo had served on and been President and Secretary of innumerable organizations. She has been recognized for her contributions to her profession by local and state professional organizations.. But most of all, Mary Jo touched the lives of thousands of children in her community and state - professionally and through volunteer groups and her church. Survivors include her husband Francis E. Ondracek of Dalhart, TX - a daughter Nancy Gray of Allen, TX and a son Philip Ondracek of Dalhart, TX. A granddaughter Kathrin and her husband Ron Sprouce of Fairview, TX and a Grandson Henry Gray Jr. of Allen, TX and a great grandson Vinson Gray of Fairview, TX two sisters: Janice and her husband Carroll Wiseman of Borger, TX and Ellen and her husband Ted Lentz of Lancing, Michigan. Memorials to - S.A.I.N.T.S. Trust2046 Shawnee TrailDalhart, TX 79022