Mary Josephine D’Amico was the oldest child and only daughter in a close-knit Italian family. Her parents made sure she and her brothers were raised with Italian customs, celebrated Italian feasts, and had a sense of pride in their Italian heritage. Church was also a central part of family life in the D’Amico household.

Mary Jo’s prayer life, including her devotion to the Eucharist, and her concern for people in need were rooted in values first learned from her parents and the Franciscan Sisters who taught her at St. Anthony Grade school. At Julienne High School, Mary Jo met the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and came to appreciate Saint Julie Billiart, their foundress. She loved her experience at Julienne and was a proud and active member of the Julienne Alumnae Association.