Mary Jo Singleton

MARY JO BUCHMAN SINGLETON

Mary Jo Buchman was born in Paola, Kansas to Thomas Leroy and Mary Lavina Jenks Buchman on March 31, 1941, and passed away on August 9, 2026 at the residence she shared with her love, Jay Macey Rosenblum, at Meadowbrook Senior Living Community . Mary Jo was a World War II war baby—one of the lucky ones to have her father return safely from the European Theater.

Mary Jo attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School (later Holy Trinity Catholic School) and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where she demonstrated her strong passion for music, singing in the school choir and performing as the church organist for several years. This musical interest manifest itself in her home as well, where—along with her sister Bonnie—she constantly entertained her family at the piano.

Mary Jo attended Ursuline School for Girls in Paola for the first three years of high school. The Ursuline nuns helped shade a good deal of Mary Jo’s ethic and compassion for others. She spent her senior year at Paola High School where she joined many of her life-long friends before they all moved on into adulthood.

Following high school graduation, Mary Jo attended Pittsburgh State University. She joined the Delta DeltaDelta Sorority, and, in her sophomore year, was elected candidate for Homecoming Queen by her sisters. Her brother, Bruce, still remembers her riding on the top of the back seat as the Homecoming Parade made its way through Pittsburgh.

Mary Jo attained her Associate’s Degree in Medical Technology, a field in which she worked for a number of years. While employed at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, she met her future husband, Dr. John Milton Singleton III (Jay). After her marriage to Dr. Singleton, Mary Jo worked as his lab technician for several years. Together they had five children, and Mary Jo actively supported them in all of their endeavors. She was their greatest cheerleader through their victories on the wrestling mat, football field, baseball diamond, Scouts, piano recitals, and drill team performances. She never left their side when they faced life’s obstacles. They cherish fond memories of sitting on the kitchen counter sharing about their day while she cooked dinner.

Subsequent to her endeavors in the medical field, Mary Jo embarked upon a lengthy and successful thirty-year career in real estate. She served with unwavering loyalty to one realty company as it transitioned through numerous ownerships—from Jay's to Paul Hamilton to J.D. Reese, and finally ReeceNichols—holding various roles including administrative assistant, closing secretary, and realtor. She and Dr. Singleton divorced in 1985.

Mary Jo shared her heart with her devoted partner of forty-five years, Jay Macey Rosenblum. Together, these two lovebirds enjoyed a vibrant and romantic life filled with dancing, dining, and active socializing. Their shared passion for travel took them to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. They also traveled across the United States, becoming familiar with California, Connecticut, New York, and Louisiana. Cruises were also a favorite of Mary Jo and Jay. They sailed on over twenty cruise voyages, and they were distinguished members of the Cunard cruise line.

A self-trained gourmet chef, one of Mary Jo's true passions was found in the kitchen. She found immense joy in pleasing people’s palates, finding inspiration in her extensive library of cookbooks and subscriptions to Gourmet, Bon Appétit, and Saveur.

Mary Jo was a deeply devoted Grandma who delighted in sharing adventures with Olivia and Tj Tichy prior to their crushing relocation to Arizona. Together they explored the zoo, harvested corn, visited the Deanna Rose Farmstead, and enjoyed swimming. Visiting Grandma at the ‘condo’ is a memory Olivia and TJ will always cherish. For as long as her health permitted, she cherished her weekly cinematic traditions with her grandson, Joseph Piley, followed by lunch at Culver’s. She adored her out-of-town grandchildren as well and will be missed by Alex, Josh, Jen, Ashley, Jake, Emily, Ben, Beka; and her precious great-grandaughters Lily and Aisha.

Mary Jo is survived by Macey, her five children Frederick Westby (Julie), Ann Tichy (Tom), John Singleton (Mary), Helen Piley (Chuck), and Tom Singleton; eleven grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and her four siblings Bonnie (John Rupert), Bill (Marilyn), Bruce (Kathy), and Nancy (Dan Albright).

Mary Jo was a cheerful, gentle, and compassionate soul from the moment she was born, and her loss will touch so many in the world she leaves behind. Her legacy is one of warmth, talent, and a deep love for the finer things in life, always shared with those she held dear.

In honor and memory of her, hug someone today, show some act of meaningful kindness—including to yourself, and pass it on. She will be interred on October 3, 2026, at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Paola, Kansas.