Mary Jane Evans

"Duane and Mary Evans ;

October 31, 1971 & July 12, 2014

Mary Jane Evans was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Mary Jane and Duane met while attending High School in Vallejo. She married the love of her life, George Duane Evans on February 7, 1942. After living in Mojave, Stockton and Visalia they settled in Fresno to raise their three children Danny, Mitzi and Patrick.

Mary Jane served her country as a civilian aide to the Base Commander on Mare Island during World War II while her husband Duane, a combat aviator, decorated and wounded was leading raids in North Africa and Sicily.

After the passing of her beloved Duane in 1971, she went back to college to earn her English Degree and subsequently a Master's Degree in English Literature. Mary Jane taught english at several valley schools but spent the longest time at Tehipite Middle school, a job she truly cherished. Her teaching career spanned over 30 years.

Mary Jane and Duane were co-presidents of the St. Therese Teacher Parent Association. Mary served as President of the Fig Garden Women's Club, President of the CA Federation of Republican Women and President of the Fresno Opera League. She was a life time member of International Toastmistress Clubs and a Member of the Academy of Political Science at Columbia University.

A devout Catholic, Mary was involved with several non-profit agencies including Infant of Prague, Catholic Charities and Red Cross. She also donated books and tuition payments for students in need at San Joaquin Memorial High School.

Mary Jane was an avid golfer who won many tournaments at the Gilroy Golf Club. A lover of both classic literature and classical music and nothing pleased her more than to share her passion with her middle school students.

The family would like to thank all of those who cared for their Mom especially her Home Health Care giver Mary Moles and her brother Tom Zapata both of whom she loved very much. We would like to also thank Father Craig and Sister Emily who were such a comfort to all of us in Mom's final days.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband George Duane Evans.

She is survived by her three children, Danny, Mitzi and Patrick Evans; and her sister, Larree.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Monday, July 21, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made in honor of Duane and Mary Jane to the Veterans of Foreign Wars