Mary Jane Harlan, the youngest of eight children, passed away on
Thursday, April 28 at Willow Glen Villa in San Jose.
Mary Jane Harlan, the youngest of eight children, passed away on Thursday, April 28 at Willow Glen Villa in San Jose.
She was born in Hollister on July3, 1918 to Rose Lee May Harlan and Ulysses S. Grant Harlan, descendants of early California pioneers. Her early years were spent on the family ranch in Hollister, where she graduated from San Benito High School and then studied business at San Benito College. Mary Jane enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and music.
In 1937, Mary Jane married Maurice E. Thome, now deceased. She worked for the Social Welfare Dept. in Watsonville before moving to San Jose to work for Dole Pineapple Company. Before retiring, she also worked as a secretary in San Jose.
In 1960, married Marlin Bacon, now deceased. During the past 35 years, she lived in her San Jose home before moving to Willow Glen Villa four years ago. She always held a special place in her heart for the less fortunate of this world – both people and animals. Because of her love of music, she performed for many years with the Willow Glen Singers in the San Jose area.
She is survived by her daughter Jo-Ann T. Lange and her husband, Ian, of Missoula, Mont.; nieces, Glenyce-Lee Heiner and Gayla Sue Mendosa; nephews, Bruce H. Dunning, Grant F. Heiner, Grant L. Harlan and Gary C. Sheldon; sister-in-law Cleva Harlan; and numerous grand-nephews and grand-nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Eva Mae Winkle, Naomi L. Hanson, Hazel L. Heiner, Nalila D. Dunning, Helen R. Sheldon, Robert W. Harlan, Bruzz Harlan; and her nephew Harlan T. WInkle.
A family memorial will be held at a later date. Remembrances may be sent to the charity of you choice.
