Mary Jean Kushner

Mary Jean (Sass) Kushner of Pembroke Pines, Florida died peacefully in her Charlotte home, surrounded by loved ones and her beloved Lola. Mary Jean bravely battled pancreatic cancer, showing us all the true meaning of courage and grace.

Born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada to Margaret (Haines) and Metro J. Sass, Mary Jean was married to the love of her life, Howard Leslie Kushner for over 50 years. Mary Jean is survived by her children Laya, Mathew, and Tina Kushner, great-niece Isabel (Ghica) Day and sister, aunt, cousin, friend and mother figure to all those touched by her unwavering love and strength.

Mary Jean was the matriarch and the heart of her family. As an educator, music teacher, advocate, and gardener who brought music and flowers to life wherever she went, Mary Jean traveled the world with Howard, family, friends, and dogs, walking stick in hand - it was Mary Jean’s way, or the highway.

Unforgettable to everyone who encountered her, Mary Jean was a fighter and a trailblazer, never looking for accolades but always embodied the true meaning of doing the right thing. Apt to break into song at any given moment, whether it was hosting holidays, playing cards, excelling at mahjong, or exercising in the pool, Mary Jean made sure everyone felt included, never left hungry, and had a place in her home.

‘She’s a Rainbow’… She’s the Cat’s Mother.

Following in-person and virtual Graveside Services at the Hebrew Cemetery of Greater Charlotte on Friday August 23, 2024, at 11:00am, Shiva will be held in-person and virtually evenings on August 25 - 27, 2024, at 7:00pm with minyan at 7:30pm at the home of Laya Kushner.

Funeral and Shiva Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89271926307?pwd=hx1ziIoDiZ3deO0YbtoKLJvMtZlfFf.1

Meeting ID: 892 7192 6307

Passcode: MusicLover

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the following organizations: Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte, 5007 Providence Rd., Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28226

https://jfscharlotte.org/donate/); or Greater Charlotte SPCA, P.O. Box 77491, Charlotte, NC 28271 (https://www.charlottespca.org/donate).