Mary Jane Gatesman

Mary Jane Gatesman, age 88, of Strattanville, passed away Wednesday morning, April 29, 2026, at the Clarion Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, where she was residing in personal care. She was born on August 11, 1937, at her home in Strattanville, where she grew up and resided until her marriage in November 1960, returning in 1979. Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Edward L. and Myrtle M. Brinkley Aaron. She was a 1955 graduate of Clarion-Limestone High School. Mary Jane worked in the selecting department at Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Clarion, where she was also a member of the Gold Emblem Club, and retired after 35 years. Mary Jane was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarion. She was also a member of the Eagles Club #3807, the Moose Lodge #101, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #066, all of Clarion, and a social member of the VFW Post #2145 in Clarion. Mary Jane was an enthusiast of good food. She loved going out to eat, especially at Cozumel Mexican Restaurant in Clarion; shopping; river cruises; bus trips, especially to Pittsburgh Pirates games and the State Farm Show in Harrisburg to see the butter sculptures; and tending to her flower beds. Mary Jane was exceptionally crafty and enjoyed embroidering and sewing. She also enjoyed making memories with her family and always looked forward to decorating for the holidays and wearing a costume every Halloween. Mary Jane is survived by her two daughters, Valerie Gatesman-McQuitty and her husband, Sean, of Silver Spring, MD, and Mary Jo Bettwy and her husband, Mark, of Clarion; three grandsons, Kyle Bettwy, Adam Bettwy and his wife, Olivia, and Brendan Bettwy, all of Clarion; a great-grandson, Julian Bettwy; her brother, Arthur “Art” Aaron and his wife, Nola, of Clarion; and two nephews, John Aaron and his wife, Cathy, and Patrick Aaron and his wife, Lindsay. In addition to her parents, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her infant brother, Edward C. Aaron, in 1935. Family and friends will be welcomed from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Jason Feigh presiding. Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary Jane’s honor to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 720 Liberty Street, Clarion, PA 16214; Clarion PAWS, P.O. Box 804, Clarion, PA 16214; or Tri-County Animal Rescue Center, 9562 Route 322, Shippenville, PA 16254.

Mary Jane Gatesman

August 11, 1937 - April 29, 2026