MaryJane Heinle

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be MaryJane Heinle. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. MaryJane was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

MaryJane was born on at home in Omaha, Nebraska. All twelve kids were born at home- when the Doctor with the Black Hat came, the kids knew a baby was going to be there too! She was the daughter of Louis and Josephine Costanzo. MaryJane was raised in Omaha, Nebraska. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. MaryJane was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of MaryJane's personality throughout her life.

Though MaryJane was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. MaryJane was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, MaryJane worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. MaryJane was raised with eleven siblings. Their names were: Angelo, Molly, Rosie, Irene, Virginia, Lucille, Betty, Dorothy, Louie, Bobbie and Ralphie. MaryJane and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, MaryJane was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, MaryJane was always tactful. One thing MaryJane will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, MaryJane had a number of interests and was an active child.

For MaryJane, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. MaryJane was also adept at details. MaryJane was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Central High School in 1944. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was sewing class.

There was one thing that all of MaryJane's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that MaryJane was such a popular person throughout her life. But MaryJane was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. MaryJane was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, MaryJane was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, MaryJane was often the person who would organize events. In fact, MaryJane was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When MaryJane made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, she became friends with Chet and Lorraine Crandle, Merle and Ruth Sauer, Al and Pat Johnson, Eunice Peers and Helen.

MaryJane was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. MaryJane cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Mary Jane married Alvin Lillehaug on February 26, 1946 at the Courthouse in Omaha, Nebraska. Later in life she married Bob Heinle on October 26th,1986 at Westwood Christian Assembly in Seattle, Washington.

Harmony was important to MaryJane and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. MaryJane was blessed with three boys, Butch, Donald and Greg. She also had 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. MaryJane was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, MaryJane was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: MaryJane would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to MaryJane, and she expected the same from those around her. MaryJane was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. MaryJane was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that MaryJane handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was as a retail clerk. She started at Olberg's and retired from Morton's Drug Store in 1988. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, MaryJane enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were doll collecting , collecting Shirley Temple tapes and dolls, and long car rides with her sweetie, Bob.

MaryJane was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. MaryJane was always enthusiastic and a great team player. MaryJane also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was being the "family cheerleader" for all three sons sporting events.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served MaryJane well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of Westwood Christian Assembly for over twenty years. During that time, she worked at the clothes closet at the church. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did MaryJane enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included a car trip back to Nebraska with her children, visiting her sisters, Lucille in California and going to Disneyland.

MaryJane was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Skippy her Heinz 57 dog, who was a best friend for 12 years. Her family was rounded out by two dogs Tuffy and Hobo.

Since it was easy for MaryJane to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. In retirement, she found pleasure in catching a ride with Krissy and the girls to see her friend Lorraine. She also enjoyed traveling, shopping, doll collecting, traveling to small towns to visit their churches and restaurants. Even in retirement, MaryJane stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

MaryJane passed away on February 12, 2012 at Swedish Hospital-Cherry Hill in Seattle, Washington of congestive heart failure. She is survived by her sister Lucille (Jim); her children, Alvin, Donald and Greg Lillehaug; Doug, Donald and Ken Heinle, Susan Hoffman and Debbie Roberts; 18 grandchildren; 8 grandchildren and her best friend Lorraine Crandall and her family. Services were held at Westwood Christian Assembly on February 25, 2012. MaryJane was laid to rest in Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way, Washington.

MaryJane was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. MaryJane was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss MaryJane Heinle.