Mary Jane DeJong

In Loving Memory of Mary Jane DeJong
Mary Jane DeJong, 86, of Delray Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 6 at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton after a short illness.
She was born in Wallkill, New York, on November 22, 1939, to her devoted parents, John and Oleita Neuwirth. Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband John, grandson Alec, brothers Richard, Robert, David, Harold, and sisters Dorothy and Shirley.
She is survived by her sister Janet, sister-in-law Fran, her three children Steven (Donna), Laurie, and Gene (Lisa); five grandchildren Brandon, McKensie, Amanda, Jonathan, and Michael; and her great-grandson Beckham.
Mary grew up in the Town of Wallkill. On October 5, 1958, she married John DeJong and began their life together in Bullville, NY, where John was a partner in his family's dairy farm. They welcomed their children—Steven, Laurie, and Gene—while managing the family business.
In 1965, John and Mary took ownership of the family dairy farm, successfully operating it together for more than 30 years. They weathered the ups and downs of farming while instilling in their children a deep sense of responsibility, hard work, importance of education, integrity, and love.
Alongside supporting the family farm, Mary was active in the local 4-H, volunteered at many of her children's school and sporting events, and served as Secretary of the Town Board in Pine Bush, NY. After retiring from farming in 1985, Mary and John continued their successful partnership by purchasing and managing the Walden Animal Deli, a pet supply store in Walden, NY, until their full retirement.
In the early 1990s, the couple partially retired to the St. Augustine area of Florida, where they enjoyed a slower pace of life and cherished time together. Following John's passing in 1998, Mary sold the DeJong Farm property in New York and settled in Delray Beach, where she lived for the next 25 years.
During her time in Delray Beach, Mary developed many close friendships in her High Point community and served on the Homeowners Association Board. She especially loved her role as Grandma Mary and enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends near and far. She cherished annual Sisters' Week and the Neuwirth Family Reunion. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love.
To know Mary was to love Mary. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
- Covenant Endowment Fund
175 Hickory Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Please write "Alec DeJong Memorial Scholarship" in the memo line.
- Hospice by the Sea, Boca Raton, FL