On March 3, 2022, Mary Jane (Fye) Badowski was reunited in heaven with her dance partner and true love, Pete, and their daughter, Pat.  Born in South Bend, IN on May 17, 1919, Mary Jane and Pete met in their teens while attending a dance, were married on December 1, 1936, and spent 73 years exemplifying a loving, caring marriage.  All Mary Jane ever wanted was to be a mother, and she lovingly raised four daughters: JoAnne Winkler of Aurora, IL, the late Patricia Baskett of Montgomery, AL, Marjorie Hilkert of Williamsburg, VA, and Dianne Snyder of Sherwood, OR.

Known as “Busia,” Mary Jane remained close to her family, including many adored in-laws, 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.  Resourceful, optimistic, pragmatic, sharp, and adaptable, Mary Jane never met a stranger and learned to use technology to stay connected with her family.  She modeled beautifully her life lesson, “Treat the janitor the same way you treat the principal,” and brightened the lives of countless others as the Welcoming Committee and birthday card distributor at Commonwealth Senior Living, where she resided independently for the last 12 years.

Mary Jane had a quick wit and never missed a costume party, read the paper daily, and loved watching videos of her family reunions.  In her 102 years, Mary Jane gathered and adored many friends in South Bend,  Hobe Sound, and Williamsburg, and created family traditions that will last for generations. She will be deeply missed, and she truly did “Bind Us Together” with love.

A celebration of life will be held on May 21, 2022 at King of Glory church.  In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones tight and donate in Mary Jane Badowski’s honor to Sentara Hospice Services, 11844 Rock Landing Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 1021, Norfolk, VA 23502.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with their arrangements.