Mary Jane Van Meter

It is with sadness and love we share the news that Mary Jane Birch Van Meter passed away on October 24, 2025. She died peacefully at home in Spraggs, Pennsylvania at the age of 76. Born on June 16,1949 in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Mina Blizzard Birch and Dr. William Birch.

Mary Jane graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1967. She was a majorette and played flute in the concert band. She graduated with a master’s degree in Reading and Journalism from California University of Pennsylvania. Her first job was teaching English at the Greene County Youth Development Center. She held a substitute teaching position at West Greene High School before accepting a permanent position teaching English at Clay Battelle High School. Mary Jane was deeply devoted to every student that came through her classroom. She also taught classes in Journalism and headed the Drama Department. She received a Holocaust Specialist Certification from West Virginia University and offered a class in Holocaust Studies as an elective at Clay Battelle High School.

Mary Jane was a passionate supporter of The Greene County Theater. In true Mary Jane style, she owned the stage as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. She wore many hats in the community theater including director, makeup artist, set and costume design and co-directing a production of The Odd Couple with her husband John.

Mary Jane met the love of her life while they were both teaching at Clay Battelle high School. John remembers, “She had the prettiest eyes I had ever seen!”. They were married at her childhood home on August 7, 1987. She spent her lifetime working on his “improvement”.

Anyone who knew Mary Jane knew that her family was her first love. Janes’ pride and joy were her grandchildren Megan Swords, Nate and Sydney Fox, Waynesburg, PA. It was Megan, her first grandchild, who called her Janes. Janes was their biggest fan rarely missing Megan’s band performances, Nate’s and Sydney’s sporting events and Sydney’s open mic nights. Janes loved nothing more than weekend cookouts by the pool with her family and friends. She was smart, compassionate, lighthearted with a sense of humor that made us all laugh. She loved to cook and host holidays for her family. She will forever be affectionately known as Aunt Sassy to her nieces and nephews. Janes could quote movies, name any song title and crush anyone in trivial pursuit. She was an avid fan of reality and game show tv and enjoyed any chance to sing karaoke! She was a faithful fan of The Pittsburgh Pirates! Janes leaves a legacy for all. She was elegant and unapologetically uncensored! She loved her family and friends, all who are determined to keep her fun spirited presence alive.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her sister Cindy Birch Barnhart and faithful dog Stoobie. She is survived by her loving husband John. They shared 42 years of love and laughter; three beautiful daughters whom she loved unconditionally. She raised them to be strong independent women, Beth and Jim; Lori and Damon; and Carly all of Waynesburg, PA; Sister Karen(Bob) Ruppel, Confluence ,PA; Brother John (Denise) Birch, Washington, PA; loyal cat Anne referred to as Annoying Anne until she took up residence inside the house and Janes gave her the official title of Queen Anne; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews who she absolutely adored.

Mary Jane and her family were grateful for the care of Amedisys Hospice, a special thank you to Heidi for her loving care, the staff at Hillman Cancer Center, and Dr. Knestrick & staff. They are forever grateful for the love and support of their School and Moose families.

We will honor Mary Jane’s wishes with a Celebration of her Life at The Moose Lodge in Waynesburg on Saturday, November 8 at 12 noon. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 PM followed by a luncheon. A private burial will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Waynesburg Central High School Marching Band/Booster Club c/o Waynesburg Central High School, 30 Zimmerman Dr., Waynesburg, PA 15370 or to Waynesburg Animal Hospital, 2642 Mount Morris Rd., Waynesburg PA 15370.

Forever in our hearts My Janes…Mom…Janes…Sassy!!!