Mary Jane Grote

Mary Jane Grote loved being a mother. It was, in many ways, her greatest joy and calling. Her life was centered around her children and grandchildren—her pride, her passion, and her purpose.

Born on a farm in Cumru Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, on April 3, 1929, Mary Jane was one of six children of Charles M. and Aquilla B. Matz. Life on the farm, surrounded by her brothers and sisters, gave her some of her fondest memories—simple, wholesome days filled with hard work, laughter, and the kind of togetherness that shaped the warm, grounded woman she would become.

A 1947 honor graduate of Shillington High School, Mary Jane excelled in English and writing—skills she carried with her into her early career as an administrative assistant at Carpenter Technology. Later, she found community and joy working at Donecker’s of Ephrata for over twenty years, where her sense of style, good humor, and bright smile fit right in.

Faith was a guiding force in Mary Jane’s life. She was a longtime member of Alleghenyville UCC Church, and later of Peace UCC Church. She read her Bible faithfully and trusted deeply in the Lord, living her life with kindness, humility, and gratitude.

Mary Jane loved the color blue and the scent of roses. She loved baseball—especially her Philadelphia Phillies—and football Sundays with the Eagles. She was always ready for a good card game, a round of bingo, or a spirited conversation. When she met someone new, she’d greet them with that radiant smile and thoughtful questions that made you feel instantly seen and known.

She was a woman of grace, curiosity, and quiet strength.

Mary Jane will be lovingly missed by her children: Lynne (wife of John Breil), Heidi (wife of Greg Gable), and Scott (husband of Jennifer Lynn Lewandowski); and by her grandchildren: James (and wife Leanne) Tully, Patrick Tully, Layne Gable, Basil Dubrosky, Seth Dubrosky, and Scott Breil.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William C. Grote, who passed away on August 28, 2008, and by her siblings Alverta Witman, Arlene Fritz, Evelyn Horning, Charles Matz, and Kenneth Matz.

A celebration of Mary Jane’s life—filled with memories and music—will be held at Alleghenyville UCC Church, Alleghenyville, PA, on Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. at 1219 Kurtz Mill Rd, Mohnton, PA 19540.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4126.