Mary Jane Rooney

Mary Jane Rooney passed away July 1, 2023. A native of Buffalo, New York, Mrs. Rooney was the eldest daughter of James H. and Blanche S. Lynch Buckenmyer. Mrs. Rooney lived in Jacksonville since 1962. She retired as Executive Director of the local Children’s Home Society in 1986. The Society’s services expanded greatly under her direction. She was named, “Social Worker of the Year” by the local chapter of the National Society of Social Workers in 1976. Mrs. Rooney was an initial member of the Child Services Advisory Board, established by the consolidated city government. She was the author of a number of articles published in various social work journals. She was an active volunteer, through the years, with Learn to Read, HabiJax, Guardian ad Litem, and the Mandarin Food Bank.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Betsy Dietrick and Patricia Austin. She is survived by two sons, James McGlynn Rooney (Joyce) and Mark Edward Rooney (Meg); daughter, Karen Ann Miller (Drew); grandchildren, David Rooney (Krissy), Thomas Rooney (Andrea), Amy Bowden (Ryan), Philip Rooney, Douglas Miller (Jessica), Rachel Miller Djernes (Brendan); great-grandchildren, Bobby Bowden, Tee Bowden, Colt Rooney, Hudson Rooney, Luke Djernes, Lynch McGlynn Rooney and Kinleigh Fallyn ; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Children’s Home Society, P.O. Box 5616, Jacksonville, FL 32247-5616 or Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Services will be announced soon. A memorial mass in Mrs. Rooney's honor will be held at San Jose Catholic Church on July 18, 2023 at 10:30 am.