Mary Jo Chanaud

December 26, 1939 – September 22, 2025 Mary Jo Chanaud, age 85, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Queenstown, Maryland, after a brief illness. Born December 26, 1939, in Meridian, Mississippi, Mary Jo was the daughter of Robert Luther Manning and Myrtle Willis Manning. Tragically, she lost her mother just 19 days after her birth and her father shortly before her fourth birthday. She was lovingly taken in and raised by her aunt and uncle, Elvy and B.D. Hollingsworth, alongside their children. In doing so, she gained a new family while remaining close in heart to her biological siblings, who were each raised by other relatives. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Stewart "Stu" Chanaud, and her sisters Harriet Manning and Glenda Davis. She is survived by her sisters Arminda Stricklan, Virginia Thompson, Clera Hughes, and Gene Bryan. She is also survived by her three devoted sons: Lawrence (Sheila), John (Dina), and David (Kelly); six cherished grandchildren: Michael Chanaud, Erica Chanaud, Robert Chanaud Jr., Lawrence Chanaud Jr., Lydia Chanaud, and Keera Chanaud; two step-grandsons, Stephen Twomey and Brandon Twomey; and one great-grandson, Weston Chanaud-Keidel. Mary Jo and her husband Stu were well known in the Queen Anne's County community as the owners and operators of several beloved local businesses. From 1967 to 1972, they ran Stu’s Lion’s Den, a restaurant located near Queen Anne’s County High School. Later, they opened Hillside Market on the south end of Centreville, beginning as a gas station and convenience store. Their business expanded over the years into the Hillside Inn, which included a full-service restaurant and motel. The original store was later transformed into the Hillside Crab House and Seafood Market. Mary Jo's dedication, warm smile, and tireless work ethic, paired with Stu’s entrepreneurial spirit and charm, made their ventures successful and beloved by the community. Mary Jo worked at Hillside for 37 years, retiring in 2009. In retirement, she found joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mary Jo and Stu shared a love of boating and spent many happy days on the Chesapeake Bay. They were also avid travelers, especially fond of winter getaways to Cancun. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newman Funeral Home in Centreville, Maryland. Mary Jo will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

Mary Jo Chanaud

December 26, 1939 - September 22, 2025