Mary Jane McGrady Oeffner, 88, of Cheboygan, MI, formerly of Bay City, MI and Ocala, FL, passed away very peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Brook of Cheboygan.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Lawrence Albert Oeffner, Sr. and daughter, Darlene. Survivors include Terry (Pam) Oeffner of Ocala, FL, Char (Steve) Gust of Cheboygan, MI, Mary Lou (Craig) Martin of Flushing, MI, Gerard (Sally) Oeffner of Cheboygan, and Lawrence Oeffner, Jr. of Miamisburg, OH; three grandchildren, Kristal Ratliff, Kurt Gust and Austin Martin; and three great grandchildren, Jordan Self, Kaleb McCullough, and Talon Gust.
Mary Jane began teaching dance at the age of 12. She owned and operated the Mary Jane McGrady Dance Studio. She was a gym teacher for parochial schools in the Saginaw area. She volunteered at Highland Elementary School in Ocala and created and led the Mind and Body activities class at assisted living locations in Mackinaw City and Cheboygan.
There will be a memorial mass to honor the life of Mary Jane at 11 AM on Friday, October 14, 2011 at Sacred Heart Church, 4989 Polish Line Road, Cheboygan, MI and a graveside service will be at 11 AM on Monday, November 28, 2011 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to either Hospice or Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Mary Jane will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Larry,
She certainly sounded like a wonderful women. Thank you for sharing this with us. Julie.
Kidrok67 Sorry about your loss. Your mom surely had a wonderful and productive life.
Sorry for your loss Larry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Roy and Lora
I am sorry about your loss. My prayers go with you and your family.
Mary Jane was a wonderful gracious lady, and will be missed by all of us who loved her. As Christians we can rejoice in the fact that we will see her again as well as other loved ones who have preceded us in death.
Larry, so sorry for your loss. She sounded like a really great women. Linda
Larry, we’re all saddened by the passing of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sorry for your loss Larry.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend.
Dear Oeffner family,
Sorry for your loss. Even though it’s been many years,we have fun memories from Clara St. Mary Jane was a good friend to Mom.
Dear Terry & Family; OurSympathy to you on the death of your mom. May God bless and keep you in His care. Sue
To Mary Jane’s family: I was so very sad to learn of Mary Jane’s passing. She has always been a very important person in my life. Although we have not been together in many years, there have been many letters, cards and most recently phone calls after my mom’s death. She has always been one of the kindest people I have ever known and one of the few people who never judged you. She just loved you because of who you were and who she was. I will never forget her and know I am blessed because she has been a part of my life. I know you will all miss her every day. Your families will be in my prayers. God bless you all.
Dear Family:
So sorry to hear about your Mother. I was one of Darlene’s best friends. Keep all of the memories close.
Lynne Graveline Dietz
I am so blessed to have taken care of your mother at The Brook. I have become really close to Maryjane and also the family. My kids loved her dearly. We will mis her dearly!
May god see you through this sad time. I know words are never enough. God be with you. Donna
I am very sorry to hear the news, Mrs. O was a great woman and she will be dearly missed. Larry, I will be sure to have an Old Milwaukee Light Ice in her name. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your familiy.
Oeffner Family…Our thoughts & prayers are with you and I know you will be comforted with all your fond memories. We know how much time and laughs our mothers (M.J.and Regina)had together. I don’t think they could start their day without their morning visit…and then again in the mid afternoon. She missed the companionship when your parents moved to Florida. I was so happy to receive a Christmas card last year from M.J. and quickly wrote back to her. She brought joy and smiles to everyone.
Fondly and with love,
Rick and Pat
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time. I know our mothers (Regina and MJ) enjoyed their almost daily morning visits and then again most afternoons. Mom really missed Mary Jane when they moved to Florida. I was so pleased to hear from MJ last Christmas and quickly wrote back to her with Bay City news of our family. I will remember MJ fondly and can still hear her laughter.
Fondly,
Rick and Pat
I will always cherish the times we shared and laughed together.
hi mum!
i just wanted to drop by and tell you how very much i miss you and with the passing of your sonmy uncle gerard today….i am feeling your our families loss more than ever. you were an amazing spunky lil thing. please hug, kiss and protect gerard. you will both continue to be missed. i lover you!
your granddaughter -kristal
Hi mom,
Today Pammy and I said our final good bye’s to you. Your memorial service took place at the same pavilion where we said good bye to Dad. A Deacon offered prayers and inspirational words of love and kindness and told us to remember always the good times we all shared. We miss you but we know you will be happy with Dad, Dar, and now Gerard. We love you all.
Terry and Pam Oeffner
The staff and service at Florida National Cemetery was outstanding. Many thanks!
Mary Jane you will always be remembered for what a great person you were. I’m so blessed to have met you and cared for you during your time at The Brook. My girls and I love you very much. I can just picture you up there dancing with the Angels.<3