Obituary of Mary Jane Elder

Mary Jane Elder died peacefully in Santa Barbara on February 21, 2012 after a brief illness--just 2 days short of her 92nd birthday. Mary Jane was born in Grapecreek, Illinois to John and Katherine Stewart. She graduated from Georgetown High School in 1937 and attended Illinois State (Normal) University before going to work at the State Farm Insurance Company in Bloomington, Illinois. While in high school, Mary Jane began dating Robert Glen Elder.Young Love truly did bloom, as her scrapbook of mementos from those early days clearly shows. In August, 1943 they married, living a frequently displaced military life prior to his World War II deployment. Bob always tenderly referred to Mary Jane as "his bride" throughout their long marriage. Although secretly terrified for his safety, Mary Jane bravely held up the home front, showing enormous pride in Bob as his rank advanced to General. Finding that her role as General's Wife was fulfilling-and never one to be at a loss for words-- Mary Jane hugely enjoyed the many social occasions that this position entailed. Although often separated by WWII and then Korea, Mary Jane and Bob found parenthood even more rewarding than military life, as daughter Sandra first arrived, later followed by son John (the latter being reportedly much more troublesome than the former--and Mary Jane being allegedly most relieved when Bob finally returned home from the war "for keeps" to help parent). At the war's end, everyone moved to California, where Bob became a full time California National Guardsman and Department of Defense consultant. They bought a home in West Los Angeles, then La Habra, where they all enjoyed being together and suburban living-- frequently socializing with relatives who had also relocated from "back East", and with their many neighbors who became lifelong friends. In 1970, Bob and Mary Jane moved to Santa Barbara to enjoy their retirement, for this was the climate and home of their dreams. Connecting again with friends from their military days, they enjoyed a busy agenda of travels, reunions in Illinois, attendance at 14th Armored Division reunions, square dance lessons, good times, and the occasional martini. Mary Jane is preceded in death by her parents, brother Allan, and by Bob--her beloved husband of 63 years. She is survived by her son, John Glen Elder, MD, and daughter-in-law Mimi of Santa Barbara, daughter Sandra Lynn Osburn of Ridgecrest, California, and grandchildren Garrett and Jeremy Osburn, and Evan and Erin Elder. Her grandchildren always knew Mary Jane to be the quintessential "Grandma", for her love and delight in them and readiness to help on a moment's notice was never-ending. She is also survived by her dear lifelong friend, Maryann Toneys, cherished "Sis", LuAnn Howald of WinterHaven, Florida, and ever-faithful best canine buddy, Willie--who guarded her until the end. The family thanks steadfast friend and stellar caregiver Paula Kenny, treasured friends Barbara and Norm Savage, and the amazing Happy Dog Team and Jeremy Bordofsky, ElderCare Consulting for their concern, loyalty and support over the past years. Assisted Home Hospice and Danelle's Home Care are also greatly appreciated for their assistance, affection and professional expertise through Mary Jane's last days. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 1 pm at the Cambridge Drive Community Church, 555 Cambridge Drive, Goleta CA 93117, to celebrate and share memories of Mary Jane's life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or to a charity of your choice. As she had dearly wished, Mary Jane will be inurned at Santa Barbara Cemetery, together again with Bob.