Mary Jane Brotherson

Mary Jane Brotherson, 73, of Ames, passed away on August 18, 2025 peacefully in the arms of her loving husband, Tom.
Mary Jane was born October 15, 1951 in Hay Springs, Nebraska in a small-town rural hospital just minutes after her twin sister, Myra Jean.
Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 40 years Tom, son John, twin daughters Brittany and Marianne, brother Larry, twin sister Myra, sister Karin, many nieces and nephews and and a broad community of loving family members and friends.
Mary Jane spent her early childhood years in the sand hills of Western Nebraska. When she was young, her family moved to Omaha, Nebraska where her father pursued his construction and building career. Her family then settled in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska. Her small-town childhood provided a life of playing make believe and exploring the outdoors side-by-side with her twin sister. She was energetic, inquisitive, and built childhood creations from her father's building scraps. Growing up in a family that built houses fostered her incredible work ethic, problem solving skills, and love of hands-on work. This translated to her lifelong love of creativity, working with her hands, and her love of the outdoors.
As a teenager of the 60s-70s, Mary Jane was free spirited and embraced life to its fullest, never missing a new experience or adventure. Her self-expression and passion for life was her greatest gift and the world is a better place having known the love of Mary Jane.
After graduating from high school, Mary Jane attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Kansas.
Mary Jane was a tenured Professor of Special Education at Iowa State University, specializing in early childhood and families. She mentored many students, both graduate and undergraduate, and provided the support and care to usher them into fulfilling careers. She was a pioneer in bringing qualitative research methodologies to the field of special education. Her work put flesh on the bones of statistical studies on issues related to families of children with disabilities. She was the author of numerous research papers, chapters, and books reporting the results of this research and presenting texts describing how families cope effectively with their children with special needs.
Mary Jane lived with her family in Ames Iowa for 35 years. She was a dedicated and loving mother to her three children. She displayed boundless love for her husband and life partner Tom. Mary Jane loved and lived life to the fullest extent. Her house and magnificent garden are a place of music and dance, Yoga, qi gong and meditation. She was grateful for every day and showed compassion and loving kindness to all. Mary Jane loved color and clothes in countless detailed shades of purple or blue. She loved hats and parties. Mary Jane and her wisdom will be sorely missed by her many friends and admirers. Always was, Always is, Have no fears Always will be. Mary Jane always will be loved by her family and community. If you are so moved, memorial donations could be provided to Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance in Ames, Iowa.
A celebration of Mary Jane's magical life will be held at 3 PM on October 2nd at the Unitarian Fellowship 1015 Hyland Avenue in Ames, Iowa, Parking is limited so please carpool if possible. This will be followed by food and music all evening at Alluvial Brewery 3715 West 190th St.