Mary Jane (Dues) Severt, known as Mom, Grandma, Aunt Jane, or Janie by family & friends, passed away on June 11, 2025, while residing in Traverse City, Michigan.

Mary Jane was born on September 19th, 1941 and grew up in a large family on a farm in Coldwater, Ohio. After graduating from Coldwater High School, she went to nursing training at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Ohio and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She married her high school sweetheart, Charlie Severt, and moved with him to California during his service in the Air Force. She enjoyed her role as a nurse working at a hospital in Merced, California. After returning to Ohio, while raising her children, she used her LPN training to work at nursing homes in and around Westerville, Ohio. She was warm and kind to each of her patients and always had a special place in her heart for those she cared for. While her children were growing up, they frequently visited her at the nursing home where she worked so they could do crafts, listen to stories, and enjoy dinner time with her patients.  She enjoyed and took pride in her career in nursing and later went on to work in several doctors' offices before eventually joining the dermatology department at The Ohio State University. In 2006, she moved from Columbus, Ohio to Traverse City, Michigan, to be near her son and his family. She worked at Grand Traverse Pavilions and a local dermatology office before finally retiring at the age of 70. Although she was retired, she would often say, "Once a nurse, always a nurse". She was a natural caregiver. Mary Jane's favorite title of all was that of "Grandma" and she mastered that role with her six grandchildren. She was an avid card player, loved to laugh, play games, and bake with her children and grandchildren. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them and spoil them. Mary Jane made countless batches of spice cookies and buckeyes and the most incredible cherry and apple pies for every family gathering. Her giggles will forever be heard in our memories of her.
Mary Jane is survived by her children, Kevin (Lynne) Severt, Lori Severt (Bill Mauck), and Julie (Ganesh) Ghooray.  She will be missed by her grandchildren, Kala Ghooray, Jordyn (Gregg) Elhart, Brady (Lindsay) Severt, Shana Ghooray (Layke Lynch), Nalin Ghooray, and Josie Wrinkle.  She is also survived by her siblings Alice Klosterman, Bob (Joey) Dues, Don Dues, and Pat (Greg) Myers.  She remained close to her sister-in-law, Janet (Gerlach) Dues, and loved her like a sister.

She was preceded in death by her firstborn child, Mary, as well as her parents, Raymond and Josephine (Heyne) Dues, her siblings Vi (Arnie) Westgerdes, Ginny (Al) Knapke, Jim Dues, brother-in-law Roger Klosterman and sister-in-law Linda Dues.

Mary Jane lived for 5½ years at Evergreen Cottages at The Pavilions. She was well cared for by the wonderful staff at the Cottages throughout her experience with Alzheimer's.

The family held a private celebration of life for Mary Jane. Please direct memorial contributions in her name to The Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation. Her family will forever be grateful for the care that the staff at Evergreen provided.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com