Well, the time has come to say good-bye. I am retiring! After almost 19 years at Q13 (18 years on the morning show!), it’s time to move on and get more sleep! I think my last day will be October 1st. BUT, I may be on air a little on October 4-6 as I train our new morning meteorologist, Brian MacMillan. He is currently working at FOX 12 in Portland, but he and his wife are both natives of Western Washington and their families are here. With 2 young children, he’s thrilled to be closer to his kids’ grandparents.
Meanwhile, I will spend my last 2 weeks here reminiscing about my time at Q13. Here are a couple of photos of our morning anchor team! I consider these colleagues my friends and, over the years, we have shared some amazing times!
January 6, 2022 at QZVX
Laura Tabellini Pierre says:
Dear MJ, I miss you and your paw’s walk! I wish they continue that but I haven’t seen it so far 🙁 Thank you for making us see our crazy Washington weather from our pets’ eyes! We miss you. Enjoy your retirement!
January 6, 2022 at QZVX
Gywnne Dederer says:
Wondering where you went.enjoy your retirement.you are missed.one of a kind you are.
January 4, 2022 at QZVX
Kathy says:
It’s like losing a sister
December 10, 2021 at QZVX
Nancy Belle SKeels says:
MJ, Adam, and Bill were the reason I watched 13 Morning News. Fun watching MJ over the years…she made the weather fun as well as informative…will certainly miss her. Bill was great and miss him. So glad Adam is still around. I’ll still check out 13 as it was always my favorite morning local news.
December 7, 2021 at QZVX
Susan & Dave in Arlington says:
We missed the word that you were retiring, thought maybe you were just on an extendo-vacation!
You are SO missed by so many viewers & our pets. Know that we all wish you the best, have a happy retirement! WOOF!!
December 7, 2021 at QZVX
Susan says:
I miss MJ and consider her a friend after years of inviting her into my home for her morning broadcasts. MJ, thank you for your stellar work.
December 1, 2021 at QZVX
Diane Curry says:
MJ , God gave you the charisma to connect with his people even if it’s the weather report, may sound overly religious. But god had a plan for each of us . Watch you each morning. God bless you. Diane
December 1, 2021 at QZVX
Kaler Crane says:
The morning weather report, not only on Fox, but across the board in the Seattle viewing area is now missing the best.
The thing that I really enjoyed about MJ’s time on camera, she was such a real and a genuine person. You always found her creditable and someone you would love to sit down and share life stories and a cup of coffee with.
You are missed, enjoy your time and thank you.
Kaler
November 29, 2021 at QZVX
Connie Smith says:
My goodness, I am missing MJ already and as a “some-timer” with channel 13 getting used to the new guy on the block will take some getting work. I will miss your doggy days and upbeat reporting. Take care and keep that great hairdo of yours flipping’.
November 10, 2021 at QZVX
Kelli Buck says:
I was wondering where MJ went since I don’t watch a lot but when I do it was for her. Now my morning weather isn’t the same. I miss Mj!
November 5, 2021 at QZVX
Donna Hargus says:
MJ, we’re really sad to see you go. You have been an outstanding member of the morning team and our favorite weatherperson in the Puget Sound area. We will miss your wit, your acumen, your astute forecasts, your knowledge of the area . . . pretty much everything about you & YOUR weather reports. Of course, we wish you every happiness in your retirement, and do not begrudge you some extra sleep in the mornings – enjoy! Please take care, be well, and accept our MANY, MANY THANKS for your spectacular career of service at Q13. You da bomb!
October 29, 2021 at QZVX
Rose says:
First MJ and now Travis… I guess things change, but these two were a light in the mornings… Going to miss them both.
October 29, 2021 at QZVX
Kris Bailey says:
We miss you MJ! Happy retirement though.
October 27, 2021 at QZVX
william moore says:
Not since king five purged its staff of creators have I seen such an alarming change in staff. I will miss A.J, the little guy and all the others. As someone else said I hope you enjoy your retirement.
william moore
October 26, 2021 at QZVX
Pat D says:
MJ is so missed. I was hoping she was on vacation. I hope it was twins getting older that made her decision and not management.
If Travis goes too I may have to rethink my morning tv. Though I do like Adam and the rest of the morning team but MJ and Travis just made/make it special.
October 26, 2021 at QZVX
Steve R. says:
I guess no more pizza Friday……that was so funny.
October 25, 2021 at QZVX
Mike Root (Mikeybob) says:
Yep Q13 has made a big mistake letting her go.
Brian, seams to know his stuff! But he will never fill the shoes left behind by MJ
YEP! add me to the growing list of thoes that dearly miss you!
It looks as if there’s a real shakeup going on at the “Q” they are dumping Travis too….
What the heck is going on…,
October 25, 2021 at QZVX
Shirley Johnsin Murray says:
What a dumb move on the part of Channel 13. M.J. was and is a morning boost…so enjoyed watching and listening to her report daily. If a genuine retirement then I wish her well, although she will be missed. Again, if the result of changes at the channel (as another member of the morning team is leaving – Travis) is due to management, well, as far as I am concerned you have lost and will loose part of a great team.
October 25, 2021 at QZVX
Laura james says:
I had to Google where you were… must have been on vacation when you announced your retirement …had no idea! Congratulations!!!
We’ll all miss you & your bubbly personality!!
God bless …
October 25, 2021 at QZVX
Bonnie Kindle says:
Boy your already missed your bubbly face your bubbly actions your a great person god bless you on your retirement
October 22, 2021 at QZVX
Paul Thompson says:
Too much energy to retire MJ. You were a morning lightning bolt!! Remember seeing you at KOMO when you were an Intern.
October 21, 2021 at QZVX
Bruce a Benson says:
I have been on vacation in Idaho/Utah for several weeks and did not realize you were retiring. So sorry , I always looked forward to watching you with your bright smile and positive attitude. Good luck sleeping in, I retired 12 years ago and wake up every day at 5 AM. Bruce Benson
October 12, 2021 at QZVX
Delano Poppelreiter says:
We are curios what she is going to do now that she has left KCPQ? Thanks
October 12, 2021 at QZVX
LaRetta Elise Gehr says:
MJ you will be missed first thing I do is turn the tv to chanel 13 and there is your smiling face and your happy joking around you made weather fun. You will very much be missed. I wish you the very best on your next part of your adventure in life. Whatever that might be. Good luck
October 8, 2021 at QZVX
Tracey says:
I have been pouring through MJs CV and had no idea how blessed we were to have her doing our weather. What a cool history of accomplishments. Actress, writer, math tutor, meteorologist and a sensible shoe gal. Now I know why I enjoyed her so much. She was extraordinary. We are going to miss you, MJ. I wish Q13 weather had reruns so I could watch you forever!
October 8, 2021 at QZVX
Mary says:
Congratulations, MJ! I missed your goodbye tribute, but will miss your forecasts more! Always encouraged by your bright outlook on life during these difficult times.
October 8, 2021 at QZVX
Martin R. Howell says:
Here you go:
https://youtu.be/G7_H_jXSVW8
October 8, 2021 at QZVX
Emily Kane says:
MJ – you will be very much missed. I have watched your weather broadcasts for so many years that you have become part of my life. I wish you all the very best in your retirement. 🌺🌻❤️
🎈
October 8, 2021 at QZVX
Sandee Fasso says:
I enjoyed watching MJ almost daily, she was such a breath of fresh air, always bubbly and interesting to watch as she did the weather report; as well as posting pictures of animals and our beautiful PNW. I will miss her…….and wish her the best in her retirement……enjoy your life!
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
Martin R. Howell says:
Just watched the end of the morning news with it’s touching and beautifully done goodbye to MJ. That speaks well of FOX13.
October 10, 2021 at QZVX
Craig says:
Yes, not all stations have allowed their outgoing newscasters a well deserved farewell, King 5, for example :(. One day they’re just gone.
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
Mimi Castillo says:
Yes, like everyone here, my husband and I will miss you. I just found out today that you’re retiring. Initially, I thought Adam was the one leaving! You are the best; second to none. Retirement is great. Yes, “sleep in”, but that’s easier said than done. Good luck, and hope to see you around the greater neighborhood.
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
Paula says:
I have been watching you since I can remember. You are definitely going to be missed. But I do wish you the best. Thank you for doing an awesome job. Oh ya, GO HAWKS💙💚💙💚❤❤
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
Angela Parks says:
Best in the biz. I will miss your fun forecasting! Always cheerful and light! Also, so knowledgeable with our local crazy PNW weather patterns. You will be missed by us!!! Good luck on your endeavors and get some much deserved sleep!!
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
Sandy says:
You and Walter have been my weather idols for many years. Wish you the best in your retirement MJ. My dog knows your voice so waits for your Paws dog to be shown so she can bark at the TV. Fox 13 will never be the same with you both gone.
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
Rebecca Tillman says:
Congratulations, as someone that is semi retired it is rewarding in so many ways. Sleep is the major one.
Looking forward to hear and see what your future holds. Will miss my morning with MJ.😒
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
Sue Gildersleeve says:
The best to you MJ. I really enjoyed watching your weather report as I got ready for work. Loved your spunky personality. Enjoy this time!
October 7, 2021 at QZVX
donnie brooks says:
this is a heavy blow, I rank this news up there with the retirement of Edgar Martinez leaving the M’s….You will be missed. So what will you do with all of this free time on your hands
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Tracey says:
Shoot! I am not a fan of change and you, Adam and Bill have been part of my routine for a really long time. It was my excuse to drink coffee for 5 hours. You are relatable in a city that has undergone lots of change since I moved here in 1997. Walter, Tim and now MJ. Q13 has some big shoes to fill. Good luck.
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Mike says:
Congratulations, we watched everyday- watched you and the traffic so we knew what to expect. I retired last year – you will love it. We don’t care about the traffic anymore😎
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Kim Erickson says:
Thank you for making our mornings fun while watching the news. You are always so uplifting. You will be missed
Enjoy retirement!! You deserve it
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
sherry bottoms says:
You will be missed!!!
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Denny and Paulette says:
Oh drat! M J I doubt if you have any idea how many people hold you dear. The wife and I don’t know how we’re going to face mornings without you. By the way, retirement IS all it’s cracked up to be. Any thoughts of returning to acting? Then your groupies could see you again. Already miss you dear. No pressure Brian.
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Louis says:
The flood of comments and compliments here, far beyond most PSM stories, is a testament to MJ’s reporting, professionalism, personality, and career. Many in today’s Seattle media could take a lesson.
Enjoy your well earned retirement MJ!
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Tedd Hunter says:
Hope you make some camios now and than!
Loved your pet photos and I hope
Your replacement will continue these!
I will miss you!!
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Karen Olson Billick says:
Have watched you your entire time on air in Seattle and will miss your positivity and pet walk and oh ya The Weather. Happy Retirement to you MJ.
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Mel Eaton says:
Geeez, you’re my favorite in the morning. I will miss you. darn!
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Joan Byron says:
Hi MJ. Congratulations on your retirement! You will be SO missed. I get up at 5AM to work out most weekday mornings and have for several years. Fox (Q) 13 News has been my workout companion that gets me through 2 hours of hard work. I have always found your weather reports and insights a pleasant distraction from whatever pain I was inflicting on myself. I looked forward to “Fancy Friday” and your tastefully attired guest, Jean Luc. You brought an infectious delight to what could have been a hum-drum segment of the news. I hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I have mine. Get lots of sleep and take care of yourself.
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Janet Shannon says:
Honestly, my Husband and I watch Q13 morning news because of MJ McDermott. She is a real bright spot in our day. We will greatly miss seeing her. She is a funny, happy and positive person. We love her pet segments too! You don’t know us MJ, but we know you 😊 Enjoy your retirement!
The Shannon’s
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Kelli & leonard says:
We are really going to miss your beautiful smile & great sense of humor. Your cheerfulness when our weather turns sour, makes it all better. Enjoy your family & retirement.🤗😊
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Vidette says:
Loved your blazers and your weather reporting. Will really miss you. Enjoy your retirement!
October 6, 2021 at QZVX
Sherri in Tacoma says:
My heart is broken! You have been my favorite meteorologist for years and years! It’s too bad they couldn’t move you to a different time slot! You were the most knowledgeable and accurate weather person! You were fun and perky and beautiful! You will be so missed MJ. Wishing you all the best!