In Memory
Mary Jane (Wishman) Severyn, age 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, after a life characterized by faith, family, service to others, and exceptional love. Jane generously shared her time and talents with those around her, and her bright light will continue to shine in the many lives she has touched and inspired.
Jane was born on April 29th, 1927, in South Bend, IN, to her loving late parents, Henry J. and Augusta P. (Mischke) Wishman. On February 14th, 1953, in South Bend, IN, Jane married the love of her life, Stan Severyn. They were married for sixty-seven remarkable years and built a beautiful family that will continue to live their legacy.
Jane was the beloved mother of the late James (Suzy) Severyn of Flemington, NJ; Gary (Kathryn) Severyn of Naperville, IL; and Ellyn (Bill) Prescott of Berthoud, CO. She was the adored grandmother of Stephanie (Ray) Farabaugh, Nicholas (Ashley) Severyn, Kathleen (Eric) Jagielo, Brian (Kelly) Severyn, and Julianne Severyn. She was also the dearest great-grandmother of Christopher, Sophia, Lucas, Jack, Caroline, Danny, and Cameron, all of whom had the pleasure of spending time with her recently. Jane is preceded in death by her brothers, Norman, William, and Harold, and her sisters, Virginia Moran and Wava Crouch. She was also the dear aunt of several nieces and nephews.
Jane graduated at the top of her class from John Adams High School in South Bend, IN. She was exceptionally bright with a remarkable memory. Jane was the trusted keeper of her family’s history and stories, as she could recount dates, places, and events with astounding accuracy. She generously shared her time and many talents over the years with several organizations, charities, and communities, all of which have benefited from Jane’s great skills and benevolent devotion.
Jane will be remembered as an exceptional mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who loved them wholeheartedly. She and Stan prioritized their family above all else. They did not miss a tennis match, swimming meet or activity for their three children. They also attended every sacrament, graduation, and Notre Dame sporting event of their grandchildren, including Notre Dame rugby, volleyball and Bengal Bouts boxing. Jane also loved to travel, especially with her husband, Stan. Together, they adventured across the world and enjoyed spending winters in Florida, where their family loved to visit.
Jane was an avid Bridge Club member, tennis player and golfer. She mastered many creative talents including sewing, crafting, painting, ceramics and knitting. Every family member will always treasure the beautiful, personalized handknit Christmas stockings, baptismal outfits for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, decorated handcrafted dollhouses, and Halloween costumes,
As a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN, Jane and Stan built their home under the Golden Dome of Notre Dame and were active members of Little Flower Parish and Sacred Heart Parish. Jane was a beloved and integral member of Holy Cross Village Community, her home for the past 17 years. She and Stan treasured the many friendships they built there, and they were so grateful to have spent the last chapters of their life in such a special place.
Jane’s life was filled with meaning and purpose, impacting and inspiring others. God gave us Jane’s warm embrace as a sign of His love, to be a light for us all. Although she has been called home, Jane’s light, love, and spirit live on in her family, her friends, and all those who had the great privilege of knowing her.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers that made her more comfortable and for their wonderful friendship.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Mary Jane may be donated to the following:
Holy Cross Village Foundation, P.O. Box 303, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 98018, Washington D.C. 20090-8018
Brothers of the Holy Cross, P.O. Box 460, Notre Dame, IN 46556
A mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 in Saint Joseph’s Chapel of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame.
A full obituary is available online, and condolences may be left for the Severyn family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
Posted online on October 17, 2024
Published in South Bend Tribune
10/18/2024 GMS
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