Tributes

Mary Jo Massara, a former vice president at the San Antonio Express-News, passed away May 9, 2005. A native San Antonian, Massara, 60, was widely known for her bubbly personality, wit and humorcharacteristics that she incorporated in her marketing role at the newspaper, including the jingle It wouldnt be a Sunday without the Express-News. A graduate of Brackenridge High School, she began her career at the Express-News in 1963. Ten years later she became the papers promotion director; in 1993 she took charge as vice president of marketing. She also took the paper into other media realms, responsible for the weekly production of the Express-News weekend radio and television commercials that were familiar to South Texas for promoting the upcoming Sunday features such as the Star, Wingo and the papers magazine. It was her voice announcing, It wouldnt be a Sunday without the Express-News that listeners came to recognize. She often took on causes to help raise funds and awareness for San Antonios non-profit groups. But her concern reached beyond the Alamo City. In particular, she took an interest in a group of 75 orphans from Laredo, Mexico, by getting her friends and local businesses including Mi Tierra Restaurant and McDonalds to provide food and entertainment for the children. She also arranged for the kids to buy new sneakers and clothes, and participate in a week of camp. Fondly remembered for her love for San Antonio and her flamboyant sense of style, Massara also mentored many young businessmen and women, emphasizing the importance of writing with flair. She loved words. And she also loved to perform in front of audiences. Her one-woman comedy routines were always in demand among groups, including several womens organizations Massara donated her time to help raise money. She emceed many local events, including one for Archbishop Patrick F. Flores, another for the Guadalupe Cultural Center and she was the opening act for Paul Rodriguez at the Majestic Theater in the late 1980s. Later, she would win a comedy contest and snared a gig at the famous Ice House in Pasadena, Calif. She eventually formed her own company that promoted tourism in San Antonio. More recently she was an account executive with Diverse Media. Friends will always remember her favorite saying, Muchisimas Gracias, a greeting she had on her voice mail and one shed write at the end of letters and notesher sincere way of thanking people. Now, we thank Mary Jo. You made us laugh. You made us care. And we will miss you. Mary Jo is preceded in death by her parents Angel and Josefina Massara and older brother Henry Massara. Survivors include her loving brother, Martin Mario Massara of Waxahachie, her aunts Sofia Cruz Herrera, Celia Cruz Flores and one uncle, Raul Lozano Cruz, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.ServicesA Rosary will be recited by retired Archbishop Patrick F. Flores at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, 1700 S.E. Military Drive. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at the Mission Park funeral home. Interment will follow at San Fernando II.

Tributes

Maria Josefina Massara

July 12, 1944 - May 9, 2005