Mary Jane (Sanders) Williams

Mary Jane Williams, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on March 31, 2026, at the age of 88. 

Born Mary Jane Sanders in Butler, Pennsylvania, she later married Rich Williams, on September 3, 1954. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to family. 

Mary Jane was a caretaker from an early age. As a child herself, she helped care for her siblings—a role that became a lifelong calling. Alongside Rich, she raised five children of her own, and her nurturing spirit didn’t stop there. She joyfully embraced the role of “other mother,” helping to raise 13 of her grandchildren and a few other special neighborhood children along the way, offering support, guidance (potty training 13 +), and unconditional love whenever it was needed. 

Mary Jane and Rich’s children are Rick Williams (Cathy), Cindy Brozeski (Ed), Erin Williams (Steve Rodgers), Karen Myers (Rickey), and Amy Hicks (Jeff). Her legacy continues through 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren—each touched by her steady presence and caring heart.   

Preceding her in death is her husband of 69 years Rich Williams and Grandson Matthew Wilson. 

Mary Jane never stopped caring for others. Her home was always spotless, her cupboards well-stocked, and her family and friends well fed. Rich and May Jane were known for sharing their many special family desserts that were enjoyed and remembered fondly by many both near and far. 

As we grieve her passing, we can’t help but smile and wonder: now that she has shed her tired, worn body and is home in heaven, is she dusting, tidying, painting, sewing, removing stains, cooking, canning to name just a few special skills and doing all the things she so frustratingly couldn’t do in her later years? Whose face but Mary Jane’s would light up at the gift of a duster with an extension wand so she could keep cleaning from her wheelchair? And we can’t help but wonder—has she already convinced Dad to trim his beard? 

If you knew Mary Jane, you were likely greeted with her warm smile, quick sarcasm, and sharp wit. Her love for children meant she probably asked about your kids—or your grandchildren—and delighted in their visits and the stories you shared.  

We also want to thank the special past and present care givers from Oakwood Heights who took on the role of caring for her like their own grandmother.   

The visitation will be held at Reinsel Funeral Home Friday April 3rd from 6 to 8 PM with a church service at Oakland United Methodist church on Saturday April 4th at 10 AM.  

 In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation to the Oakland or Reno volunteer fire departments who supported Rich and Mary Jane over the years.  

In her honor, the family asks that you clean something you’ve been putting off—a small tribute to a woman who found purpose, joy, and love in caring for others. 

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com

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