Mary Jane De Baets

Our mother, Mary Jane De Baets, 86, of Mishawaka was taken on her journey to heaven with her guardian angels at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday evening, December 28, 2023. She passed away in the loving arms of her daughter Lisa and her granddaughter Amanda.
Mary Jane always went by "Jane" or "Janie" to all of her family and friends. She was born to the late Omer Lee and his wife Vesta (Virginia Miller) Lee in Lapaz, In. on August 18, 1937.
She grew up and graduated from Plymouth High in 1955. She loved attending her class reunions and kept in contact with many of her friends, and a big thanks goes to Helen Demaris for sending her cards, pictures, and notes all the way thru her ending journey.
Mary Jane grew up in a household with lots of siblings and she was pretty much the 4th child. Her siblings that have gone before her are as follows: David Lee, her eldest brother, 91, of Lakeland FL. passed away just 2 days before Jane, making his way to heaven to await her arrival. Her 2nd eldest was Caroline who was only 5 months old, she passed in 1935. Richard who always was know as Dick Lee from Texas is also awaiting Janie's arrival. Virginia (Tottie) Sischo her sister who she missed so very much also was awaiting her arrival with open arms. And then there was William "Bill" Lee who left us, and his passing made a huge impact on all of the Lee siblings, as well as all of our families. She also has a great granddaughter that passed away before her, infant Teagan Reamer of Houston TX.
Jane was also preceded in death by her 2 husbands, Robert Sherman and Walter D. De Baets.
Jane is survived by her younger sister, Barbara Blackwood (Shar) of Alabama and the baby of the family who took on the role of The Lee family confidant, protector, informant, and the knowledge base of the family is Steve (Terri) Lee of Plymouth, IN.
Jane is also survived by her three children. Her daughter and son in law, who she lived with at different times thru out the last several years are Lisa & Robin Gordon of Mishawaka. Her oldest son, Robert P. Sherman of South Bend, IN and middle child, Vincent K. Sherman (Rita) of Wadsworth, Texas.
She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Kroll of Mishawaka. Amanda spent a lot of time with Nonni, she lived with her in high school for a while, they played gin rummy all the time as she was growing up, and her Nonni was her best friend. This loss of her only grandparent left is very hard. Melissa (Michael) Reamer of Houston, TX, Corey Sherman of Flagler Beach, Fl, and Adam (Brittany) Sherman of Fruitport, MI.
She has 10 great grandsons and 4 great granddaughters. Hailey & Adrianna Kroll spent countless hours with their Nonni. They spent so much time with Nonni as she tried to attended all of their events, whether it be school, gymnastics or sports. They would ride their bikes to her house after school just to hang out. These girls really are missing their Nonni.
Jane worked in Insurance for many years, and became a licensed agent for State Farm before she suffered a severe heart attack over 20 yrs. Ago. She came back from so many obstacles at that time and had many happy years. She loved to bowl on league, she loved swimming, gardening, going to garage sales, she taught Lisa how to become very thrifty when it came to spending. Back in her "Hey Days" she raced jeeps at The Sod Busters Club and won many trophies racing against the guys. She had many friends and no one ever felt left out. She was a strong woman with a lot of heart aches over the years, but she always was on top of her game. In her achievement's Jane was a 50 year member of The Moose Auxiliary in Mishawaka and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary as well.
Mary Jane's legacy will always be remembered and she will never be forgotten.
Some of her notes to Lisa thru the years:
My Daughter, I Wish You 7-19-2008
When you are lonely, I wish you Love, When you are sad, I wish you Joy. When you're discouraged, I wish you Hope. When your spirit is low, I wish you Beauty. When you are troubled, I wish you Peace. I love you so much! Love your Mom.
Friends can visit with the family from 6 pm-7 pm on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka with a Memorial Service to start at 7 pm.
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