Mary Jane H. Thomas

Mary Jane H. Thomas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 7, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Carl and Pat, and her devoted husband/magician/comedian, Dave.

Born on August 19, 1937, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Helen and Berthol Harbrant, Mary Jane grew up in a close-knit family. As the oldest, it was her challenge to keep her four younger brothers in line.

Mary Jane was a talented musician, gifted at both the piano and organ. She shared her music generously, playing at countless weddings and funerals at St. Patrick’s in Johnstown. Music was just one of the many ways she poured love and joy into the lives of others.

Teaching, however, was her true vocation. Over a remarkable 50-year career, she inspired thousands of students with her passion for mathematics and her caring spirit. She began teaching in Johnstown before moving to Maryland, where she taught at Oxon Hill Junior High and St. Mary’s, Landover Hills. For the last 30 years of her career, she found a home at Elizabeth Seton High School, where she left an indelible mark on generations of students.

Mary Jane often said that the best thing to happen in her life was her wise, funny, talented, HUMBLE, and—by her own proud admission—good-looking son, Mike. She cherished her daughter-in-law Susan, and her greatest joy was being “Grandma” to her two grandchildren, Justin and Kendra. Whether it was a sporting event or a music concert, she never missed the chance to cheer them on with pride and love. In addition to the Thomas family, she is survived by her loving brothers, Bob(Ann) and Bert Harbrant.

Mary Jane’s life was defined by her faith, her family, her music, and her calling as a teacher. Her warmth, wisdom, humor, and generosity will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to For the Kids, Inc. a non-profit organization that her son Mike co-founder with Gary Heldt to help a local sick child in the community whose family has financial needs. Checks can be sent to For the Kids 1119 MD Rt 3N Unit 210 Gambrills, MD 21054 or venmo @forthekidsmd.