Mary Jane Spencer

Mary Jane Spencer, 82, passed peacefully early Saturday morning, January 9, 2010. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Jane and Robert Butler and Todd and Josie Spencer; her grandchildren, Robby, Jimmy, Joey and Anna Jane Butler and Cody and Chris Spencer; her brother, Melvin (Jody) Sweeney; and several nieces and nephews.Born on January 19, 1927 in Connellsville, PA, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Frank and Jane (Karns) Sweeney. She was married to Robert E. Spencer who preceded her in death on October 1, 1988. Mary Jane received her Bachelor's Degree from Westminster College in PA in 1948 and her Masters Degree in Science at Bucknell University in PA in 1951. She began her teaching career in Quarryville, PA before moving to Newark Valley. Her teaching career continued at Oweo-Apalachin Middle School where she taught Biology and Earth Science and Owego Free Academy. Following her retirement from Owego, Mrs. Spencer was a substitute teacher in Newark Valley. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Newark Valley, PEO, Chapter B Newark Valley and WBET Branch of NYS Retired Teacher's Association. She loved life, her family, her students, traveling, her dogs, and playing bridge. Mary Jane's family is thankful for all the loving support and care provided by the staff and her friends at the United Methodist Home at Hilltop in Johnson City and her friends and neighbors in Newark Valley, including Pat and Ken Davis and Clark Smith for their help and support. She treasured all of you dearly. Her family will receive friends on Friday at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley from 12 noon until 1 p.m. A Memorial Service and Celebration of her Life will follow there at 1 p.m. with her Pastor, Rev. Nancy J. Adams, officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the family plot at Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley. A memorial service will also be held at the Hilltop Campus, 286 Deyo Hill Rd., Johnson City, NY on Tuesday, Jan. 19th at 2 o'clock with Rev. W. Lea Harding, officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Stray Haven Humane Society, 194 Shepard Rd., Waverly, NY 14892, in loving memory of Mary Jane Spencer.