Mary B. Janes, 74, of Harrisburg, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at Hershey Medical Center. Born in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph F. and Rita M. Donovan.
Mary attended the Massachusetts General School of Practical Nursing and graduated as a licensed practical nurse. She was also the library aide for St. Joan of Arc Catholic School for 20 years and was on the school board for five years. In the last 12 years before retirement, she worked in daycare where she was fondly known as “Miss Mary” to the children. Above all, her most important job was being a stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, watching birds at the bird feeder, using peanuts to befriend the Blue Jays, making crafts, and enjoying her favorite candy, peanut M&Ms.
Mary left notes for her children to help with writing an obituary for her. The following is a quote from her notes: “This is my history in a nutshell. It doesn’t cover the laughing, hugging, crying, I love you’s, late night and early morning surprises. It is a great thing to have pure white hair- it shows how much wisdom I’ve gained raising four absolutely smart, beautio, handsome, caring, and quite normal kids. They are raising the same. They make me proud as I watch their hair turn white! Except Matthew – he has no hair!”
She is survived by four children and their spouses who will miss her dearly: Bridget Bentley (Matthew), of Michigan, Karen Stauffer (Brad), of Annville, Katie Kugler (Jason), of Annville, and Matthew Janes (Lissa), of Harrisburg. She was lovingly known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Tyler, Emily, Caitlin, Abbie, Noah, Rebekah, Connor, Finn, and one on the way. Mary is also survived by her siblings Joseph, Patrick, Christopher, Margaret, Catherine, Peter, and predeceased by John.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Palmyra. 717-838-9211. Condolence and memories may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital, www.FourDiamonds.org, or the American Lung Association, www.Lung.org
