Obituary
Mary Jane Marnell of Fort McCoy Florida, formerly of Evans Mills New York, died peacefully in her Florida home on Sunday January 14th, 2024, at the age of 83.
She was born June 27, 1940, in Gouverneur, New York. Mary Jane graduated from Heuvelton High School in 1958 where she was the Treasurer of the Library Club and the Newspaper Fashion Editor. She spent her days outside of school taking care of her grandparents’ farm, whereas a young woman, she cultivated the qualities of hard work, self-reliance, and caring for family, which she would be known for all her life.
After the passing of her dear father, Vaughn Klock, she relocated to Evans Mills, New York. Here, she spent many years as a bartender at the KimOi and Omars Inn. Most importantly she was known for her selfless service to the community fostering over 400 children who needed a loving home. Many of whom still call her “Mom” or “Momma Marnell” today. She loved gardening, farming, mowing her lawn, fishing on the river at her home and spending time with family and friends. After raising her family and foster children on her farm in Evans Mills, she moved to Fort McCoy, Florida in 1997 where she lived with her loving partner William Elsey for 24 years.
Mary Jane was a wonderful mother, foster parent, partner and friend. Despite the distance from her friends and family, she treasured the phone calls, the letters, and the visits from the people she loved and had friendships that spanned decades. She was warm and welcoming to all and will be missed for her loving, accepting spirit.
She was proceeded in death by her son John Marnell, mother Martha Ambrose and her father Vaughn Klock. She is survived by her partner William Elsey, daughters Becky and Christina Marnell, her son James Marnell, daughters-in-law Stephanie Marnell and Jennifer Hicks, grandchildren Kelsey, Katelynn, Jarrett, Marissa, Noel and Victor Marnell, Collene Doney, Matthew & Nicholas Comini and her 8 great grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of life for Mary Jane at Eagle Ridge Community Center 26095 Kestrel Drive (off Route 342), Evans Mills, NY 13637 on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from the hours on 1:00PM – 4:00PM. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Amyloidosis Foundation: https://www.amyloidosis.org/, which was a cause very dear to her heart.
Service
26095 Kestrel Drive (off Route 342), Evans Mills, NY 13637
It's hard to imagine never hearing your voice or laugh again, to wrap my arms around you for a long hug or to talk for hours about everything and anything. I find comfort knowing you are hugging Johnny right now and watching over us.
Thank you for being the most loving mother a daughter could ask for. For showing how to navigate this world with strength, grace and kindness. I hope I live every day to make you proud. You were loved beyond measure. Your absence is felt by everyone who loved and cherished you.
We love you mom always and forever. Xoxo
We will always be thinking of you. You did not go away. Now, you are Everywhere. You are only as far away as our lovely memories of you, and what you have meant for both of us and our families. You will forever be close to our hearts, and in our minds.
And Leo loves you too!