Ms. Mary Jo Lane

She was born on August 19, 1960, in Dos Palos, CA to Michael and Barbara Loudon. Mary Jo grew up in Fresno, CA.

She graduated from McLane High School in 1978. After high school, she attended Fresno Pacific University. She enjoyed a wonderful career as an office manager and bookkeeper for most of her adult life.

Most recently, she worked in accounting at Fresno City College where she made many friends over the last several years. In addition to taking great pride in her work, Mary Jo most enjoyed spending time with her family, working on her beautiful new home and traveling to the Central Coast for weekend getaways.

Her greatest joy and achievement was being a mother and seeing her children flourish. She was a woman of order and discipline, but very warm and kind to all around her.

Mary Jo treasured the simple things in life and often found great joy in a morning cup of coffee, a nibble of dark chocolate and a nice glass of wine to end her busy day. A person's true resolve is often revealed during times of crisis.

Since being diagnosed with leukemia in February of this year, Mary Jo showed tremendous faith and courage. She inspired her family, friends and caretakers with her bravery, selflessness and utmost trust in God. Her motto over the last several weeks was "God is in control."

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Agnes Medical Center for providing such wonderful care to our dear Mary Jo over the last several weeks. We would especially like to thank Sister Emily for providing prayer and spiritual support during our darkest hours.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank and Polly Costa and Matilda and Louis Loudon.

Mary Jo is survived by her best friend and fiancé Bill Jensen; her parents, Michael and Barbara Loudon; her children, Brittney and Brandon Lane; her siblings and their spouses, Sharon and Joseph Marshall, Joseph and Gina Loudon, Karen and Jerry Laval, Terri and David Avnaim; and her many nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A Funeral Service will be held at North Pointe Community Church on Monday, April 7, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Central California at 340 W Fallbrook #101, Fresno, CA 93711; or Central California Blood Center at 4343 W Herndon, Fresno, CA 93722.