Mary Jane was an active member of her local community who exuded wisdom, warmth, and love. She embraced all of life to its fullest. Performing on stage, dancing, singing, and even dipped her toe in comedy. Wherever she went, Mary Jane led with loving kindness, and equanimity all around. 

Mary Jane lived with her family in Ames Iowa for 35 years. Having grown up in a midwest, blue collar family, she valued hard work and the joy of working with her hands. She was a dedicated and loving mother to her three children. She displayed boundless love for her husband and life partner Tom. As a professor at Iowa State she charted new territories of qualitative research methodologies in the field of special education and inspired many students. She fostered community through her love of art and gardening. When the world shut down for covid, she initiated and coordinated the building of a children’s garden at Reliable Street; a space of beauty, exploration, and play. 

Mary Jane loved vibrant color and dressed in countless detailed shades of purple or blue. She loved hats, scarves, parties, and dressing up for dressup’s sake. Mary Jane embraced life with passion and purpose. Her spiritual practice included a deep understanding of eastern medicine and the power of Qigong.  

To know Mary Jane is to know a life well lived. She was an audacious and beautiful presence in any room. She didn’t let social norms stop her from living the life she wanted. Always gracious to share the beauty she cultivated and the wisdom she gathered. Mary Jane led by example. She inspired people of all ages to claim their space and pursue their dreams. If Mary Jane wanted to dance, she danced and if she wanted to howl at the moon, she howled.