Mary Jane Marnell of Fort McCoy Florida, formerly of Evans Mills New York, died peacefully in her Florida home on Sunday January 14th, 2024, at the age of 83.

She was born June 27, 1940, in Gouverneur, New York. Mary Jane graduated from Heuvelton High School in 1958 where she was the Treasurer of the Library Club and the Newspaper Fashion Editor. She spent her days outside of school taking care of her grandparents' farm, whereas a young woman, she cultivated the qualities of hard work, self-reliance, and caring for family, which she would be known for all her life.

After the passing of her dear father, Vaughn Klock, she relocated to Evans Mills, New York. Here, she spent many years as a bartender at the KimOi and Omars Inn. Most importantly she was known for her selfless service to the community fostering over 400 children who needed a loving home. Many of whom still call her "Mom" or "Momma Marnell" today. She loved gardening, farming, mowing her lawn, fishing on the river at her home and spending time with family and friends. After raising her family and foster children on her farm in Evans Mills, she moved to Fort McCoy, Florida in 1997 where she lived with her loving partner William Elsey for 24 years.

Mary Jane was a wonderful mother, foster parent, partner and friend. Despite the distance from her friends and family, she treasured the phone calls, the letters, and the visits from the people she loved and had friendships that spanned decades. She was warm and welcoming to all and will be missed for her loving, accepting spirit.

She was proceeded in death by her son John Marnell, mother Martha Ambrose and her father Vaughn Klock. She is survived by her partner William Elsey, daughters Becky and Christina Marnell, her son James Marnell, daughters-in-law Stephanie Marnell and Jennifer Hicks, grandchildren Kelsey, Katelynn, Jarrett, Marissa, Noel and Victor Marnell, Collene Doney, Matthew & Nicholas Comini and her 8 great grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life for Mary Jane at Eagle Ridge Community Center 26095 Kestrel Drive (off Route 342), Evans Mills, NY 13637 on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from the hours on 1:00PM – 4:00PM. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Amyloidosis Foundation: https://www.amyloidosis.org/, which was a cause very dear to her heart.