In loving memory of

Mary Jane Barthel
January 25, 1936 - April 18, 2021

Mary Jane Barthel (nee Baker) passed away peacefully in her home on April 18th, 2021. She was 85 years old.

Mary Jane was born in Woodstock, Ontario and raised in St. Mary's, Ontario. She later moved to Windsor with her family and finally to Grosse Pointe where she met Edward Barthel. They married in Windsor and resided in Grosse Pointe since 1964. She became a U.S. Citizen in 1966. She was proud of her 50 years of service to Grosse Pointe Surgical Associates working for Dr. Roger McNeill. She dedicated 20 years to teaching at the Dominican Literacy Center in addition to several other volunteer commitments in the community. Mary Jane's true passion was figure skating and growing up in St. Mary's spent much of her youth at the ice rink. She later taught skating to young children starting out in hockey. Her Irish sense of humor, welcoming smile and smiling Irish eyes carried her through life and she always made everyone around her laugh. Mary Jane was a friend to all she met. She loved to travel and favorite memories were of trips to Boston, Colorado and Ireland.

Mary Jane is predeceased by her husband, Edward, her parents Clara and Francis, her sisters Dawn and Gloria, and brothers Desmond and Brian. She is survived by her daughters Shauna and Erin, her nephews Patrick, Michael (Joe), and Christopher (Jackie) and her rescue collie Griffin.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00am on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to:
Almost Home rescue of Ohio
AHDRO Treasuer
PO Box 1177
Powell, OH 46065
https://www.almosthomeohio.org/donate

Tributes

Peggy & Jerry Hodak wrote on Apr 27, 2021:

" We are feeling the loss of a great friend in Mary Jane. Or, as Peggy describes her, "More than a friend, she was my Pal". With her winsome Irish wit she was always a joy to be around. We were fortunate to celebrate so many wonderful occasions together. We have a family saying that people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Mary Jane was a "lifetime" friend who leaves us with many fond memories. Rest in Peace M-J. Peggy & Jerry Hodak"

Christopher Francis Baker wrote on Apr 26, 2021:

"I am at a lost and offer my sincerest condolences to my Cousins. Their Mother , also my Aunt & Godmother was simply an awesome Human Being it is hard to put into words. It is difficult to type right now but really want to say how proud I am and the love I have always had for my God Mother and have to add, I will never , ever forget her chocolate cakes! GOD Please Receive Her Well and in Your Great Favor!!!!"

Marilyn Dillon wrote on Apr 26, 2021:

"I am proud to call Mary Jane one of my Best Friends in life. She made our work day at the office fun and productive. We laughed together every day. We Celebrated St. Patrick's Day together for almost close to 20 years. She was generous, kind, humorous and hard working as well as a loving friend. I will miss her dearly. I hope we meet again. Love Always. Marilyn ???"