Mary Jo Aldridge Rakoske

Mary Jo Rakoske, 80, of St. Stephen, SC, died Sunday, January 30, 2011, in the Hospice Center of Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Thursday, January 27^th she suffered a stroke while at the VA hospital helping her husband prepare for his surgery. She was transferred to MUSC and later the Hospice Center of Charleston.

Born July 17, 1930 in Perry, SC she was the daughter of George Erickson Aldridge and Lillian Sally Aldridge.  She received her associate degree from North Greenville Junior College and was a former executive secretary with Tricom Shipping Company. She was a member of the St. Stephen First Baptist Church and a former member of Remount Baptist Church.

Mary Jo and her husband of 52 years, Albert R. "Bobby" Rakoske, Jr., travelled the East Coast and as far west as Colorado. They would decide what they wanted to eat and then drive wherever the best meal could be found. Once they decided to have lobster and drove all the way to Maine. "It was all fun" said Bobby of their life together.

Mrs. Rakoske is survived by her husband, Bobby Rakoske of St. Stephen, SC; daughter, Jo Lynn "Josie" Branton of St. Stephen, SC; grandchildren, Liz and Jon Branton; sister, Sara Stevens of CT; and brother, Bill Aldridge and his wife Lottie of North Charleston, SC.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Alyson Robin Rakoske.

The family will receive friends at their home in St. Stephen, Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTHWOODS CHAPEL. 

Her family wishes to thank the VA Hospital, MUSC and Hospice of Charleston for the wonderful care they have shown to both Mr. and Mrs. Rakoske during these difficult days.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Charleston Foundation, 676 Wando Park Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.