Mary Jane Manuwal, 90, passed away peacefully at 3:25 a.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home in Plymouth.
Born in Markle, Indiana, Mary Jane was the daughter of Ned G. and A. Lavon (Hughes) Miller. She graduated from Markle High School with the class of 1950 and went on to attend Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, graduating as a RN with the class of 1953.
On October 17, 1959, Mary Jane married John W. Manuwal in Plymouth. The couple would make Plymouth their new home while raising two children, Clyde and Kaye. They would also that year become members of First United Methodist Church.
Mary Jane worked as a RN at Parkview Hospital for 7 years, then as a floor nurse at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home for 11 years until her retirement in 1993. She also a nurse with Jesse Program for 14 years until 1992.
She loved birds and started a bird collection of figures and enjoyed traveling. Mary Jane loved being with her family.
Mary Jane is survived by her son, Clyde of Huntington, IN; son-in-law, Jon Siefer of Plymouth; grandchildren Michele and Bradley; step-grandchildren, Shannon and Bradley Siefer; great-grandchildren: Aron, Sara, Gavin and Lilly; and many loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1993; daughter Kaye; granddaughter Kathleen Lampkins and 3 grandchildren and sister, Eileen Abbott.
Visitation will be held from 11-1 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Life Celebrant Jim Smart officiating.
Please click the link below to live-stream the funeral service at 1pm on Thursday, January 13th:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84621606782
Burial will be in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Janis Bottorff says
Mary Jane will be surely missed. She was a very special lady and friend.
For a few years we would met after church at Arbys.
Marylee Jones says
Grandma Manuwal was a very sweet lady. I will always remember her when I put out the Campbell’s ornaments.
Rita Beck says
MaryJane was such a wonderful woman. I loved talking to her on Sunday mornings at church. Always had a hug and a smile. You will be missed.
ricki garrison says
So sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to her family and many friends. Mary and John were my next door neighbors as I was growing up and they were the best. Many good and fun times with them and their neices Dawn and Collen when they came and stayed at Mary’s house. I will always remember the yummy cookies Mary Jane would bake right up till the time she just couldn’t do it any more. Mary Jane was a sweet and kind lady who will be missed by many. RIP Mary Jane!
Nancy Holtzman says
Sorry to hear of Mary Janes passing. Many times I would reminisce about the summers when Dawn and Collen would come up to stay at John, Mary’s and we would have lots of fun. I’ll never forget the homemade cookies and candies she made. RIP and I know your happy being with your loved ones.
Toni Carmer says
Mary Jane was such a good soul. She always had a great smile and a fun laugh. Was interested in knowing about my family and what was happening at the church. She loved her family and was thankful for every connection and loved showing her pictures and their activities. Our shared history of being Parkview grads was always important. She was so proud of her nursing heritage and did her best to keep me informed of alumni connections.
Mary Jane has been ready for some time and had made all her preparations. I was blessed to know her. Love you, Mary Jane!
Kathy Mills says
Praying for all of you during these difficult days. Mary Jane was a terrific, loving lady. Her faith and love were genuine. She always sent newspaper clippings to my grandchildren upon accomplishments they earned. You are missed, Mary Jane, but your home is heaven.
Ronald Drudge says
I just found out last Sunday about Mary Jane’s passing. She was a very dear friend & we talked on the phone every 2-3 weeks. We met while working at Pilgrim Manor in the 80’s. Always worked evening shift & she requested to always work on my weekends so we could work together. Love you, Mary Jane. Your friends always, Sally & Ron Drudge
Barb Fogarty says
My condolences to the family and friends of Mary Jane ! She was a very nice lady and she will be missed by everyone!