Obituary of Mary Jane McKercher

Mary Jane (MJ) McKercher was called to heaven on January 23, 2022 where she can continue to watch over her family. She had her loving husband at her side and was surrounded with the love of her family both near and far. MJ was born June 26, 1945 in Johnson City, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Katherine Farrell as well as brothers Tom, Jerry, Frank and Joe Farrell. She is survived by brother Pat Farrell and her husband of 57 years, Paul McKercher. Paul was her soulmate and best friend - it wasn't often you saw one without the other. MJ and Paul had 3 children: Mike (Karen) McKercher, Jeanne (Brennan) Lee, and Alana (Rick) Myers. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren: Korey Westover (Kevin Baildon), Connor McKercher (Ashtin Argentieri), Devon McKercher (Bryant Roesch), Hailey Westover (Matt Prier), Braeden McKercher, Liv Myers, Quinn McKercher, Katie Myers and Lauren Myers. MJ also had countless nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. MJ worked for the Vestal Central Schools supporting the Athletic and PE Departments for 25 years until her retirement in 2003. Over the years a constant stream of staff and students came through her office. She was no nonsense when it came to her job and kept the office running like a well-oiled machine. She was happy to offer direction, information, a smile, or simply a sympathetic ear to anyone who needed it. She had a gift for never forgetting a name, face or something special pertaining to them. While MJ enjoyed her job and all the people she met along the way, her true passion was ALWAYS her family. Her grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy. There wasn't an event she ever missed, whether it was a birthday party, graduation, sporting event, music/concert or awards ceremony. The only thing that would deter her from attending would have been inclement weather - MJ made sure she was warm and toasty watching lacrosse or football games whether streaming on the computer or through play-by-play text updates. She would acknowledge every birthday, holiday, special occasion, achievement that the grandchildren would have, and if no "occasion" a text of "just thinking of you." She absolutely enjoyed being surrounded by her family creating lasting memories at "Camp" in ADK, yearly vacations to Captiva or simply "beers and burgers" on the back deck. MJ was always available to any of us at any given time to listen, give advice, and offer reassurance, love and support. No matter what, a "Grandma Hug" would always be provided. We are truly going to miss all that MJ provided for our family. Until we meet again, we know we have an angel watching over us, guiding us and surrounding us with her love. A special thank you to the UHS Oncology Department for all of the care they have provided over the past year, as well as the Gulf Coast Medical Center and Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, FL. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Friday, February 4 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home located at 765 Main Street, Vestal, NY. A mass will be held on Saturday, February 5 at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, located at 801 Main Street, Vestal, NY.