Obituary of Mary Jane Mathis

Family meant everything to Mary Jane Mathis, the former cheerleader from Windsor Central School who married her high school sweetheart 56 years ago. Together, she and her husband, Joe (a star athlete) had six children – and ultimately 13 grandchildren – as they built a lifetime of memories with those she loved the most: Her family.

     On Wednesday evening, that family came together again to say their final goodbyes to their devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

     Mary Jane Mathis passed away Sept. 25, 2019, at her home on Harris Road. She was 79 years old. But what a wonderful life she led and shared.

     She was valedictorian of her graduating Class of 1958 from Windsor Central and attended Marywood College where she received her Bachelor's degree. 

     If family was the centerpiece of her life, then her rock-solid faith served as her anchor.

     Mary Jane was a longtime and faithful member of St. Peter’s Church, where she taught religious education for 35 years. With patience and prayers, she helped prepare hundreds of individuals for their own spiritual journeys. She was beloved by the St. Peter’s congregation.

     For many years Mary Jane was an active member of the Xi Delta Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an international sorority.

     This native of Susquehanna, Pa., and daughter of the late Donald and Catherine Ryan Hurley, was respected and loved by all who met her. 

     She will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted husband, Joseph Mathis; her children, Mary Catherine (Andrew) Duncan of Gainesville, FL, Ellen (Matthew) Bailey of Fairport, Maureen Mathis of Philadelphia, PA, Christopher (Kim) Mathis of Perry, Sean (Lissa) Mathis of Fairport and Brendan (Kara) Mathis of Fairport; grandchildren, Maura, Cara and Daniel Duncan, Anna and Thomas Bailey, Mary Jane, Jack and Dominic Mathis, McKenzie Spooner, Nathan and Adam Mathis, Ryan and Jacob Mathis; nephew, Joseph Gustainis; niece, Karen Collins, along with many dear friends.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Gustainis.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, Sept. 30 from 4-7 pm at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd., LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.

     Memorials are suggested to HomeCare & Hospice of Batavia, NY or a charity of your choice.