Mary Jane Hamm

Mary Jane was born December 21st in Sabetha, Kansas to Willis and Julia (Burger) Shadel, and passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Fresno, California. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Gary Shadel. Mary Jane attended McPherson College, Kansas State Teachers College, Andrej’s Modeling School, Fresno City College, and Fresno State. She taught third grade at Eastin Arcola School in Madera, California. In 1961 Mary Jane married Herman Hamm and spent time raising her two sons while continuing her love of teaching on a preschool level. Mary Jane retired on 1997, due to illness of her mother, with approximately 35 years as preschool teacher/director in various schools in Madera and Fresno. She had a real love of working with young children and turned her talents and musical ability into a hobby as a song writer. She was self-employed and wrote a number of Christian songs, and completed an album of her children’s songs and praises.

She was a member of Fresno Church of the Brethren since 1962, raising both her sons and granddaughter in the church. She sang in the choir and was active in Bible Study Fellowship groups, with over 10 years in bible classes; however, music was a big part of her life. She had performed solo work on numerous occasions, played piano by ear, played some guitar, wrote a number of finger plays and completed a children’s book prior to her death.

Mary Jane was a born again Christian with a real love of the Lord which was conveyed to her children and grandchildren. She later attended Faith Baptist Church in Fresno and considered Faith Baptist her church family.

After having cared for her mother, Mary Jane went back to work at Stein Mart in the boutique department for 12 years and retired in 2014. She also did volunteer work with Reading and Beyond in Fresno, but loved nothing more than caring/cooking for her grandchildren and spending quality time with them.

Mary Jane was devoted to her family.

She is survived by her husband Herman and they would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on November 4th. She is also survived by her sons, Scott Hamm of Chico, California and Dr. Gary Hamm of Fresno; six grandchildren, Addyson, Christine, Alexander, Baylee, Rylee, Ramzee Hamm; numerous cousins in Sebetha, Kansas and two nephews.

Spiritually she is with the Lord she loved and is at peace.