Mary Jane McEntee

Mary Jane McEntee, 81, of Willow Street, PA, passed away on May 23, 2012 at Lakeside in the Willow Valley Retirement Community. Born on July 2, 1930 in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Jane Mercedes (nee McGugan) McEntee and Joseph S. McEntee. She lived almost all of her life in Philadelphia residing for 35 years in Society Hill before moving to Willow Valley in 2006. She is survived by her brother Joseph S. McEntee of Newcastle, ME. Mary Jane attended St. Francis de Sales Grammar School and was awarded an academic scholarship to St. Leonard's Academy. Graduating first in her class at St. Leonard's, she was awarded a scholarship to Rosemont College where she graduated as Valedictorian majoring in Latin and English. Mary Jane taught Latin, English, Literature, and Composition for five years in the Philadelphia Public School System including Audenried Junior High, Shaw Junior High, and Olney High School. She was responsible for starting Highlights, the student newspaper, at Olney High School. Mary Jane left teaching to work for Smith, Kline and French Pharmaceuticals where she was employed for thirty years. She was a senior technical specialist with responsibility for external communications, product labeling, and government compliance. Following her retirement, Mary Jane worked for Talbots and in the start-up of Tiffany's first Philadelphia operation where she sold china, crystal, and silver. Mary Jane was an avid traveler in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. She was especially fond of Italy and Austria, regularly visiting Salzburg, Austria at Christmas to revel in the seasonal decorations and music. Mary Jane had a love for flowers which reflected itself in a maze of uninterrupted color from the annuals and perennials that covered every inch of what many considered to be the most beautiful balcony in Society Hill. Her home was filled with fresh-cut flowers every day of the year that she arranged simply and without effort. Undoubtedly, Mary Jane's greatest passion was revealed in the frequency and grace of her entertaining. She opened her home for dinner celebrations, cocktail parties, and any and all occasions that could serve as a get-together of friends. She was a gracious hostess serving fabulous meals in a most elegant style. In addition to spectacular food, her dinner table veritably sparkled in the beauty of the starched imported linens, polished silver, and the crystal and china brought from all parts of the world. A Funeral Mass for Mary Jane will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10AM at Old St. Joseph's Church, 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106. A viewing will precede Mass from 9AM to 10AM at the church. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA. Online condolences can be expressed on www.philadelphiafuneralcare.com. Arrangements are by The Oliver H. Bair Funeral Home, (215) 563-1580.