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Mary Jane Haldeman
1931 - 2025
BORN
1931
DIED
2025
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Mary Haldeman Obituary
Born: October 17, 1931
Died: October 7, 2025
Mary Jane Haldeman, 93, of Harvard, IL passed away peacefully at her home on October 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary Jane was born October 17, 1931, in Harvard, IL the daughter of John J. and Edna (Timming) Hawver. She graduated from Harvard High School class of 1949. Mary Jane lived on the family farm in Big Foot until she married Edwin D. Haldeman on April 25, 1953, in Harvard, IL.
Mary Jane started working as a secretary for the school district in the fall of 1949 at Central School until 1953 when she took on her new role as a wife. She returned to the school district in 1971 until 1991 at Jefferson School.
Mary Jane was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday School for several years. Mary Jane was also a member of the United Presbyterian Women, Circe IV, and Mission Quilters. She served the church as an Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. Mary Jane served as Chairman of the Building Committee from 1996 to 2002. Mary Jane also enjoyed visiting shut-ins and people in the nursing homes. She was a member of the Retired Women of Harvard and worked for several years at the local food pantry. She was a past member of the Blackhawk Bicycle Club and the McHenry County Bicycle Club.
She and Ed enjoyed traveling to all fifty states, Korea, Europe, Peru, and Costa Rica. They made numerous trips across the United States.
Mary Jane is survived by her children Steven E. (Debbie) Haldeman of Jonesboro, IL, Lon D. (Susan) Haldeman of Sharon, WI, Kenneth J. Haldeman of Chicago, IL, and AFS son John (Lorraine) Peirce of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ed, six siblings: Hollie Cepek, Henry Hawver, John Jr., Carroll, Donald, and Jeanette Weiss, her parents, granddaughter Erica, and one sister-in-law.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 4 until 7 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 7100 Harvard Hills Road, Harvard, IL 60033. Funeral service will be at 11 AM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Claire Brennecka officiating.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net
For more information, call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at 815-943-5400.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Mary Haldeman
Oct
22
Funeral services provided by:
Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home - Harvard107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Haldeman
Sponsored by Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home - Harvard.
4 Entries
Capt. Collins Munene - Kenya
Yesterday
I first met Mary Jane during my visit to the United States a few years ago. I was far from home, a Kenyan in a new land, but in her company, I felt the warmth of family. She had a way of making you feel welcome, like you belonged right there at her kitchen table, even if you´d only just met.
Mary Jane a week shy of ninety-four, but you would never know it from her spirit. She had that spark, curious, witty, and full of stories that painted her long life with color. She took me to the Wisconsin State Fair, and took me to her favorite stands. Those moments still make me smile.
She made the best cookies, thats what really welcomed me. We had planned that she would teach me how to can tomatoes "properly," as she said. Sadly, I never made it back for that lesson. But even without it, she left me with something far more lasting, the gift of kindness, simplicity, and joy in everyday things.
Mary Jane showed me that friendship knows no borders, no age, and no distance. Though she is gone, her warmth remains with me.
Rest well, Mary Jane. You made my short visit unforgettable, and your memory will travel with me always.
Arlene Brouillette
October 10, 2025
Had some great bike rides with Mary Jane with the McHenry Bike Club. She could always outride me.
She gave me her old vacuum cleaner to clean the Harvard Museum with money was short.
Just a great lady.
Arlene Brouillette
The Staff of Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home
October 11, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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