Mary Jane Cadegan

Devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, friend and teacher.

The family of Mary Jane Cadegan is saddened to announce her passing on March 25, 2011 after a courageous two year struggle with breast cancer. She died peacefully and with dignity at her home.

Mary Jane was born in Glace Bay, N.S. on September 16, 1947 to the late Perry Lewis and Catherine Jean (MacLean) Cadegan.

She graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a major in Psychology. She then continued her studies earning a Bachelor of Education Degree from Dalhousie University and two Master of Education Degrees from Mount St. Vincent University.

Mary Jane's love of learning was expressed in her positive and caring approach toward the many grateful students she worked with over the years. She was an exceptional classroom teacher, resource specialist and reading recovery instructor. Later in her career, Mary Jane accepted a position with the Nova Scotia Teachers' Union serving as Supervisor of Counseling Services, Coordinator of Staff Development and Staff Officer in charge of Union Leadership Development and Outreach Programs. In 2002, Mary Jane traveled twice to Ghana with the Canadian Teachers Federation to support the development of teacher training programs.

Mary Jane retired in 2004.

After her retirement, she was able to fulfill her dream of traveling and together with her husband Art, she ventured throughout Canada, the US, Mexico, Europe and South East Asia.

Until the end, Mary Jane was a woman of far-reaching interests who believed in the need to nourish body, mind and spirit. Zipping down Chebucto Road on her 5K walk was an important daily ritual. She was an avid reader and shared this love with others. She had a deep love of music and enjoyed singing and dancing to her favorite songs. Gathering with family and friends to share good food and conversation was one of her favorite activities. The loving hospitality that she offered touched the hearts of many.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband Art Gregg, son Shannon Lynch (father Michael Lynch), step-children Matthew (Bronya)Gregg and Heather Dawson , step- grandson Raleigh Dawson, sisters Margaret Anne Cadegan (twin sister), Laurie(Tom) Gilbert, and brothers, Kent(June), Jeff (Jane) and Eric (Donna). She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Christopher, Katherine, Timothy and Adam Cadegan, Jennifer Kumpf (Jeff and children Gabrielle and Elizabeth Kinakin), Patrick and Michael Cadegan, Anne Patrice and Leah Gilbert.

A special thank you to all who offered their support during Mary Jane’s illness. Your kindness was deeply appreciated.

Visitation from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Sun Mar 27 and Celebration Service at 3pm Mon Mar 28, both to be held at Cruikshanks Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor st, Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Healing and Cancer Foundation at www.healingandcancer.org or to a charity of one's choice.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.” – Queen Elizabeth II