Mary Elizabeth Bane

Mary Elizabeth Bane passed away peacefully January 24, 2022. She was born in Oklahoma City on April 29, 1946. She attended Bishop McGuiness Catholic High School and the University of Oklahoma. Mary was a Journalism major and editor of the student newspaper, The OU Daily, and president of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. She received a degree of Juris Doctor from the OU School of Law in 1971. As a renowned criminal defense attorney, Mary was well respected for her outstanding appellate abilities and was a founding member of the of the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Mary defended many high profile cases in Oklahoma and is noted in several published works for her skillful defense.

She later joined the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System where she worked tirelessly for those financially unable to obtain counsel. Upon retirement, she built a home on Lake Eufala where she lived until 2018. Mary lived in Norman at the time of her death. She was an avid fan of OU Women’s Basketball and served as president of the 3 Point Club. Mary affected so many with her positive attitude, laughter and love of life.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Bane and Ann Bane Murphy and nephew Michael Bane. She is survived by her longtime companion Dee Butler, brother Joseph Bane (Janice) of Norman, brother John Bane (Debbie) of Dallas, Texas, twin sister Marjorie (Larry) of Groveland, Florida, niece Laurel Bane Newbrey (Tom) of Charlotte, North Carolina, nephew Nathan Bane (Ellie) of Englewood, Colorado, nephew Jonathan Bane (Nicole) of Austin, Texas, niece Allison Katula of Brookfield, Wisconsin, niece Kate Lott (Rob) of Windermere, Florida, niece Laura Tilly (Kyle) of Rocky Point, North Carolina, Robert Tanner (April) of Weatherford, Oklahoma and many grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Primrose Funeral Home in Norman, February 2, at 11 A.M. Graveside services to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association or the American Cancer Society.

Live streaming will be available, please contact the funeral home for information.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Bane family.