Mary Jane Van Thyne

Mary Jane Van Thyne, age 97 of Oaks at Bartlett in Bartlett Il, passed away on Saturday August 10, 2024. She had health issues the past few years, but bounced back each time. Evidenced by a lifelong strength, love of family and high value for education for all her family, she was the best example of Mom and Grandma.
She was born in Chicago near Evanston, attended schools near by as well as receiving a Bachelor's degree at Mundelein College. She was an Interior Decorator at the Fair Store in Chicago for 2 years. During this time Mary Jane met the love of her life, Ray. They were married August 1949 and lived on the North side of Chicago. When their first daughter Cathy (1951) was born they moved to the south side where the family was raised in Oak Lawn. Mary Jane and Ray always instilled importance of family life, held a high regard for education for success in life, respect for each other in the family and faith life in to guide us in everyday living.
Mary Jane was always caring and the joy of her life was her family, making sure we were fed and entertained. She had 4 children- Cathy (John), Brian (Denise), Keith (Debbie), Craig (Mary Jo), 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ray passed away 32 years ago, so she almost led another adult life in a different style.
She was always ready for a social occasion like dinner or lunch with friends, birthday parties for her kids, and service clubs to help others. Mary Jane held several positions in community and church groups as leader over the years. One of the family joys were the Michigan Lakehouse, where good times were had by all for over 50 years. Friends were invited to come as well. Mary Jane was the boat driver for skiing, cook of all kinds of foods and so welcoming. Cooking and homemade food have always been learned and shared by everyone in the family which created lots of traditions in coming years.
Mary Jane lived in St Charles for 16 years, but touched many hearts of the friends and people she met. Stories have been told recently of her generosity, friendship, and loyalty she had for various civic and church groups. She was a St John Neumann Parishioner for 16 years, a member of the Silver Foxes, and was a faithful member of the church.
Mary Jane lived at Oaks of Bartlett the past 8 years. Her recent dementia and heart issues limited her in those favorite things she so loved to do. But even on the day before she passed, she could remember her family names and identify everyone of them. She will be royally missed but joins Ray and other family members in heaven.
Services will be held on Friday August 23, 2024 at St. John Neumann Church, 2900 E Main St, St Charles, IL 60174. The visitation will be from 9:30 A.M.-10:30 A.M. followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. There will be a light lunch at church followed by the burial at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed via the following link on Friday at 10:30 A.M.:
https://www.sjnstcharles.org/watch-mass-live/
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to:
Deaf Ministry of the Diocese of Joliet
c/o Pastoral Outreach (check)
Address: Blanchette Catholic Center
16555 Weber Rd
Crest Hill IL. 60403
For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of St Charles. 630-584-0060