This memorial page is in celebration of the life of Mary Jane Fletcher. Please feel free to share your thought and memories of Mary Jane in the Memories and Condolences section. All the photos on this page are ones Mary Jane took or were on her camera. She was a master of capturing beauty in the world,... see moreThis memorial page is in celebration of the life of Mary Jane Fletcher. Please feel free to share your thought and memories of Mary Jane in the Memories and Condolences section. All the photos on this page are ones Mary Jane took or were on her camera. She was a master of capturing beauty in the world, whether it be in nature or capturing special moments of those she loved.
On December 22nd 2018, Mary Jane Fletcher passed away due to breast cancer. She died peacefully in her home in Washington DC, surrounded by love. A small ceremony was held the following day at the National Arboretum where her family celebrated her life and enjoyed the sunshine and natural beauty of one of her favorite places.
Mary Jane was a mother, sister, wife and dear friend. To her kids she was a hero and best friend. To her siblings she she was the glue that bound them all together. To those she loved and who loved her, she was a source of strength, wisdom, comfort, and a guiding light.
She loved the mountains and frequently went camping with her kids and dogs. She went hiking in flip flops and could manifest gourmet meals cooking over the fire with little more than a spatula and piece of foil. She felt at home in nature. She also loved the ocean and water and could spend hours floating and relaxing in the waves. On more than one occasion a lifeguard had to be convinced she was okay because she preferred floating face down - a sight that could give people a scare. She didn't care though, Mary Jane was someone who did things in her own way and never apologized for it.
Mary Jane grew up in Aurora, Colorado, a sister to Steve, Dave, Anne (Tinker) and Paula. She was the sister they all looked up to and who’s lead they followed. At a young age, she started making breakfast for the family, even brewing coffee for her parents, Charlie and Louise. She wasn’t entirely a saint, though, and had a playful, mischeivous side as well. Once when she and her sister Tinker we’re eating popsicles, MJ challenged Tinker to see who could eat theirs the fastest. Tinker ate hers within seconds, thinking MJ was doing the same. When she finished, MJ sat there with a smile, slowly licking and savoring her popsicle.
She was funny, kind, thoughtful, and caring and always put others before herself - without hesitation. She was smart and wise and frequently meditated, a practice which brought her incredible insight into her own self and spirituality. She always stood up for what she believed was right and went out of her way to make other people’s day better. She would tell her kids everyday when dropping them off for school to “reach out and touch somebody.” Meaning, take a moment of your day to say or do something that makes someone else’s day better. She not only said this and encouraged others to do it, she lived it everyday.
She appreciated the beauty in life, in things big and small. She would pause to take photos of the lines and knobs in the bark of a tree or capture the shadows of her grandkids walking side by side. She had a sixth sense and spiritualism about her that put her closer to than most to the beauty, energy and soul of everything around us. She was in-tune with the world, people, nature, and herself.
If you find yourself missing Mary Jane, stop and take a deep breath, pause for a moment to appreciate the sweet smell of a flower, the waving leaves in the wind, feel the warmth of the sun, or admire the geometry and patterns that surround us. Take in the beauty and energy of the world around you, like Mary Jane did, and you'll be honoring her memory in the best way possible.
Mary Jane is survived by her children April, Wade, Rachel and their spouses, Scott, Kelly and Chris. Her grandkids, Quinn, Lia, Audrey, and Cora. And her siblings, Steve, Dave, Tinker, and Paula.
We love you Mom.
Please note, we are not looking for donations, but if you'd like to give something in her honor, please make a donation to the Susan G Komen foundation.