Mary Jane Weidner

   Mary Jane Weidner, age 85, passed away peacefully with family members by her side on March 24, 2021. 

   Mary Jane was born on June 27, 1935, to Harold and Barbara Weidner in Palatine, Illinois.   She was the oldest of 5 children and lived on the family farm.   She met the love of her life, Eugene Paul, through his younger sister at school in Buffalo Grove.  During their courtship, Eugene fought in the Korean War and carried a high school photo of Mary Jane that he still carries in his wallet today with a written note “Lots of love always.  To the nicest guy in the world.  Sealed with a kiss”.   They married in 1954 and lived in a home they built in Arlington Heights.  In 1965, they moved to their current farm in Harvard to start Harvard Poultry Farm and supplied eggs throughout the area.  They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a party surrounded by family and friends.

   Mary Jane was considered a saint by all that knew her.  She gave birth to 8 children in 12 years.  Her motherly instinct was a true gift and she enjoyed sharing her wisdom throughout the years.   She made it a priority to attend the birth of every grandchild, their baptisms, 1st Holy Communions, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and other special events.  Her Catholic faith was strong and she was a very religious and spiritual woman.   St. Joseph’s church and school benefited from her willingness to volunteer in many roles.  She instilled lifelong values and encouraged her children to succeed in life through education and hard work. 

   Mary Jane enjoyed playing bridge, golf, bowling, water aerobics classes and her daily walks.  She was involved in the Chicken Club, 4-H Club, and was a member of the Red Hat Society.  When her kids were out of high school she earned her realtor license and practiced for many years.  She looked forward to Girl’s Weekend trips with her 6 daughters and 2 daughter-in-laws and loved driving her red convertible mustang that was a surprise gift from her husband on her 70th birthday. 

   Mary Jane loved to go shopping and could never have enough shoes in her closet.   She also loved attending any activity her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participated in.   You could always count on Mary Jane to bring her famous toffee squares and deviled eggs to any gathering.  But at home, she truly enjoyed sharing a bowl of ice cream with Eugene and the occasional brandy slush or baileys.

Mary Jane is survived by her loving husband, Eugene, her children Linda (Kurt), Marcia (Jeff), Gordie (Barb), Janice (Steve), Donna (Boz), Chuck (Ann), Mary (Chris) and Christie (Phil), her sisters Barbara Ann and Karen, her brother Harold Jr., and 21 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  Welcoming her home are her parents and her sister, Joyce.  The loss of her mother left a huge void in her life.  Now that void will be felt by her family and friends.

   The family is planning a small private service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harvard, IL.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made in her honor to the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Jane Weidner, please visit our floral store.