Mary Jane Anderson, 78, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2025, with her family by her side.
Mary Jane was born May 11, 1946, in Ottawa, to Stanley and May (Thompson) Shawlinsky. She married Robert Anderson on July 19, 1969. He preceded her in death on May 26, 2007.
Mary Jane attended Ottawa Township High School class of 1964. After graduating, she went on to open several beauty shops with her best friend and sister-in-law, Patrice (Geiger) Rodriguez, and later went on to own a local tavern called Dudleys with her two dear friends and business partners, Patrice Rodriguez and Sheila Cusick Wilson. Mary Jane was also a bus driver for Ottawa Elementary schools. Upon retirement, she continued in service to the Sullivan House of Ottawa, where she served several of her past bus passengers. She was also a devoted, life-long member of the Women’s auxiliary of both the Ottawa American Legion and VFW.
However, all those who knew Mary Jane knew she would agree that her greatest accomplishment in life was raising her three grandchildren with the greatest love and care over the past twenty years.
She is survived by three children, Robert Anderson, Robin Anderson, and Christine Anderson; six grandchildren, Desiree Bowers, Dakota Bowers, Christian Robinson, Bentley Fabila, Zayvian Fabila, and Eleise Dorsay; a great granddaughter, Naomi Anderson; a sister-in-law, Patrice Rodriguez; nephews, Edmund and Derren Geiger; niece, Trisha Gould; as well as countless other extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, and her grandson, Sydney Anderson.
Mary Jane was the life of every party and was loved by so many. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family in her honor.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa, Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com
