Mary Jane McKenna

Mary Jane McKenna, 81, of Fredonia, N.Y., passed away peacefully on June 24, 2022.

Mary Jane spent her life devoted to her family, and is survived by her husband, James McKenna. Mary Jane and James met 64 years ago and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this September.

Mary Jane is also survived by her siblings: Deanna (late Victor) Filipski and Frank (Diane) Wall; her children: John McKenna, Joseph (Lorraine) McKenna, Rosemarie (late Vincent) Sawka; her granddaughters: Taylor (Derek) Wills, Elizabeth Sawka; and her great-grandchildren: Aiden McKenna, Caleb Wills, Alexander Wills, Leah Wills.

Mary Jane was predeceased by her loving parents, Frank and Rose (Brzozowski) Wall; and her brother, Dennis Wall.

Mary Jane graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Sisters Hospital School of Nursing, the latter including a year of study at Canisius College.

After their marriage in 1962, Mary Jane, her husband, and their growing family lived in Syracuse, N.Y., Fort Devens, Mass., Fort Meade, Md., and moved permanently to Fredonia in 1969. Between 1969-82, Mary Jane obtained a bachelors degree through Empire State College. Mary Jane also completed the geriatric nurse practitioner program through the University at Buffalo. Mary Jane then completed the Women’s

Health OBGYN nurse practitioner program through Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, N.Y., and was licensed as a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner.

Mary Jane spent much of her nurse practitioner career as an active member in The Nurse Practitioner’s Association of New York State and served as region treasurer in 2017. Mary Jane retired in 2005 after working full time at the Chautauqua County Health Department for over 20 years. She also worked part-time at Brooks Memorial Hospital, ending her career there as a nursing supervisor. At the time of her death, Mary Jane was still licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse and as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in New York State.

Mary Jane dedicated her life to being of service to others. In her professional life, Mary Jane was a fierce advocate for her patients and remained eager to continue growing her medical knowledge throughout her lifetime.

In her personal life, Mary Jane exemplified unconditional love and remained steadfast in her devotion to her husband, James and their family.

Mary Jane’s immediate family will be receiving friends and family for a Mass of Christian burial at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Memorials in Mary Jane’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, Brooks Memorial Hospital or Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center