Mary Jane Gadd
June 4, 1932 ~ January 6, 2025
Mary Jane Gadd, 92 years, 7 months, and 1 day, of Highmore, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Highmore Health.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Church of Christ in Highmore. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Highmore Cemetery.
Mary Jane Kopecky was born June 4, 1932, in Mrs. Sammons Home in Highmore to William and Mayme (Bouzek) Kopecky. She grew up in northern Hyde County, attended Eden Rural School, and graduated from Highmore High School in 1950.
She married Gordon Errett Gadd on June 10, 1951, and to this union were born three children: Pam, Steve, and David.
She loved the outdoors; she would be found tending to her massive garden and her exquisite hollyhocks, which seemed to belong in a greenhouse. She had a deep appreciation for nature and provided the weather was just right and a passion for cooking and baking that warmed the hearts and stomachs of everyone around her. Her home cooked meals and baked treats were legendary, a true testament to her care and devotion to her family.
She started working for the Highmore Nursing Home in 1976. She dedicated her career to helping others with compassion and grace. Her devotion to serve extended beyond her professional life, she was a devoted Christian who lived her faith through acts of kindness and generosity, always striving to make the world a better place.
Mary Jane had a zest for life that shone through in everything she did. She loved bowling, traveling, and embarking on cruises and adventures. Her infectious smile could light up any room, offering comfort and joy to all who crossed her path. Known for her signature style, Mary Jane’s red lipstick, nails, and sneakers were a perfect reflection of her vibrant personality and love for the color red.
Mary Jane cherished her Bohemian heritage and occasionally shared a colorful phrase in her native tongue. She carried herself with grace and a sense of humor, always speaking her truth with warmth and wisdom.
Mary Jane's memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Survivors include: one daughter, Pam and Bob Bawdon, and their children Kristen, Jordan, and Jayme; two sons Steve Gadd and David and Angie Gadd; and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon Jap Gadd; her brother, Gordon; her niece, Bonnie Wilson; and nephews: Smoke Kopecky and Ronnie Bill Kopecky.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Mary Jane's arrangements.
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Hugs to all the Gadd family. Mary Jane was a great gal and will be missed by all who knew her.
Kristen and family
We are so sorry to hear the loss of your grandma mother and Friend. I know there is nothing that will take away the pain of losing her and I know how much she meant to your family. Please know that you guys are all in our thoughts and prayers
My sincerest condolences to the Gadd family.
RIP
Mary Jane
My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family in this time of sorrow…
Prayers for all the family. God bless.
So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mary Jane many years ago at the Home. She was one of the hardest workers there was. The people loved her. She was such a sweet sweet lady.
So sorry for your loss. Mary Jane was my babysitter many years ago.
I always enjoyed visiting with her at the nursing home.
My condolences to Mary Jane's family. I have no memory of ever meeting Mary Jane. We lived in the same county and my great grandparents were also her great grandparents. Like her, I value my Bohemian ancestry.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my Aunt Mary Jane. Many of my most cherished childhood memories were spent at the Gadd Ranch as a guest in her home. She always made me feel welcome and a part of her family and her meals were always fabulous. To me her passing is not only the end of the life of a wonderful person but the end of a generation on the ranch. It only seemed fitting that she would pass at the Highmore Nursing Home where she worked for many years helping others. She ultimately allowed her former coworkers, many of whom she trained, to care for her in her final years. My thoughts are with Pam, Steve and David as well as everyone else that had the privilege of having Mary Jane as a part of their lives. While we continue to move on we do so knowing that we have an extra angel looking down on us. And for some of us perhaps a smile thinking of the mischief Mary Jane and my mom are creating in heaven. RIP Mary Jane you will be missed by many.
Mary Jane was my aunt as well as my next door neighbor on the ranch. I spent a lot of time at her house visiting Pam. I always felt welcome there. Mary Jane was a great lady and will be missed by all whose lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with my family during this most difficult time.
Hugs and prayers to everyone. Mary Jane was a special lady.
Love to all!
Beverly King
Laura and I have sending our memories and thoughts about Aunt Mary Jane. Family is so key at time like this. We hope to see everyone soon.