Mary Jane Anderson, Mother of 5, Loved Roller Skating, Travelling With Husband

Mary Jane Anderson passed away at home after a full week of visits with her loved ones.  She was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to John and Ivy Sullivan, followed by her brothers John (Virginia) and Michael (Judy).

At the young age of twelve, Mary Jane’s mother died and she became the guardian and protector of her younger brothers.  Her passions in life were many: roller skate dancer (winning many awards and medals); visiting the casinos with her family; traveling the country with her husband and friends from downriver; reading and exchanging books at the Saline Senior Center and Library; and spending time with family and friends.

Mary Jane met her husband while practicing her roller skating, as the building also housed an electronics school.  Don Anderson and Mary Jane married in May of 1950. They lived in River Rouge until 1955 when the moved to their home in a new subdivision in Lincoln Park where they raised their family until 1997.  Both Don and Mary Jane were very active in Christ the Good Shepherd parish until they moved to Saline to join their children in their “golden” retirement years.

Mary Jane loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, and they adored her. When she moved to Saline she met many people and especially enjoyed her Friday night dinners with her group of friends (Lucy Crossey, Katie Beach, Marge Frank, Betty Charles, Carolyn Beal and Marge Delhey). They would all meet for a lovely dinner, many times ending the night with hours of playing dominos together.  Mary Jane had 5 children: Christine (Jim) (preceded Mary Jane in death in February 2020) Susan, Patricia, Karen (Terry) and Rick (Janie). Her grandchildren were her passion and she loved them so very much. Duane (Nadine), Katie (Cody), Kevin (Jessica), Stephen, Kari, Shari, Brandi (preceded Mary Jane in death in February 2020), and Brandon. Great grandchildren: Desmond, Hunter, Savannah, Jason and Tyler. She was very close to all her nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and cousins…family was so very important to her.  

Mary Jane was a people person, loved to have celebrations and dinners, with holidays a favorite for her. She hosted Christmas Eve for over 40 years, filling our home with relatives and friends to celebrate the company and great food. As her health began to fail, it became harder for her to get around safely, but her spirits were always positive and she remained independent till her death. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, always a smile for everyone she met.

To leave a memory, to sign her guestbook, or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

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