Mary Jane Hinkins

Mary Jane Hinkins, age 81, has reunited with her husband James, her son Joseph and Jesus on June 25, 2024. She is finally at peace and is rejoicing with her family in heaven. Her Catholic faith was very important to her.

Jane Elsie Murray was born January 21, 1943 (named after her dad’s mom Elsie Sawyer Murray).

Jane grew up an only child in Battle Creek, MI. She was the daughter of George “Bud” Murray and Marge Delaware.

Jane graduated from St. Phillip’s Catholic School where she attended 1st through 12th grade all in one building.

Jane continued on with her studies and graduated from Western Michigan University and Michigan State University with her Master’s in Music.

Jim and Jane met in college and were married on May 16, 1970 at St. Joseph Church in Battle Creek, MI. They moved to the Grosse Pointe/Detroit Area shortly thereafter.

Jane and Jim welcomed Joseph James to their lives on May 4th, 1984. Their lives together were now complete.

Jane impacted so many young lives in so many wonderful ways! She inspired and taught thousands of children instilling her love of music into each and every one of us. Under her direction, we got to experience Solo & Ensemble Festivals; Playing at the Ford House; travels to Boston and Chicago and summer camp at Interlochen. She touched the lives of countless students who attended Lakeview Public Schools in St. Clair Shores. Jane was the Symphony Orchestra Director from September 3, 1968 until June 30, 1998. Her 30 years of teaching music and instilling life lessons will be tremendously missed. Music was her passion and she shared it with everyone. She pushed her students endlessly to become better versions of themselves! We are all blessed to have known her and been loved by her. Jane was a Lifelong member of the Altar Society. She loves cats , especially her last cat named Sophia.

Her Son Joseph preceded her in death in 2013, her Husband Jim in 2018 and also her parents George “Bud” and Marge Murray.

Beloved grandmother of her twin grandsons Andrew and Derek; lots of music friends and colleagues; Jim’s brother David Hinkins and sister Lois (Robert) Steilber, many nieces, nephews and a group of Cousins who loved and sang to Jesus like Jane does!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jane’s honor to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or St Paul on the Lake Church where your donation will go to the Music Department in honor of Jane.

Visitation Sunday June 30, 2024 from 4-7 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave. St. Clair Shores, MI 48081. We will share stories how Jane touched our lives at 5pm to be followed with a 6pm rosary and prayer service.

She will be Instate Monday 11:30 am at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms until her funeral mass at 12 Noon. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.