Mary Jane Souza, age 79, of Bradenton, Florida passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Mary Jane was born December 28, 1942 in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Anthony and Mariana (nee Ventura) Serpa.
In 1959, a young man attending the Holy Ghost Procession at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church noticed a beautiful woman with shy green eyes and mile long legs sitting on the stone steps of the church. It was as if he had been struck by lightning--he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Later, he asked her to dance and the rest is family history. Two years later, on June 24, 1961, Edward and Mary Jane were married in that very church.
After the wedding Edward swept Mary Jane off her feet and onto their first jet airplane to Miami Beach, Florida where they honeymooned at the Casablanca Hotel. They basked in the warmth of the Florida sunshine and their love. Despite not knowing how to swim, Mary Jane bravely water skied--it did not go well!
They had two daughters, Lorraine and Arleen. Mary Jane went on to pursue a career in cosmetology and attended the Rhode Island Academy of Hairdressing. She dressed hair at Saxon Wigs in the historical Arcade Building in Providence, RI. She was a woman on the go--confident and determined to brighten people's lives and enhance their confidence with great hair, beautiful wigs, and glowing skin. She was one of the first to offer European skin care in New England and her success led her to open "Creative Images Hair Salon" in her hometown of Seekonk, Massachusetts where she served her community for over 20 years. Upon retirement, Mary Jane and Edward moved to Bradenton, where they joined the faith community of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.
Mary Jane was an active and enthusiastic member of her church and organized the ten year anniversary celebration. She was president of the Welcoming Committee and volunteered to organize events for the church like the Kentucky Derby, parish picnic, and golf tournament fundraisers. Her beautiful smile, warm hugs, and inimitable style was an inspiration and comfort to everyone who knew her. She was very much loved by her family and friends.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Edward; loving daughters, Lorraine Michele Souza (Walter Scales) and Arleen Jane Gallant (Richard); cherished grandchildren; Keith John Sweeney II, Edward Anthony Sweeney, Nicole Arleen Muldoon (Brian) and Nathaniel Gene Scales; great grandchildren; Carter Nixon Sweeney, Jordan Jeffrey Furtado, Camden James Muldoon and Kason Keith Muldoon; and her grandchildren of the heart; Erik Christopher Scales, Margaret Ann Perkins and Colby Scott Gallant. Mary Jane is also survived by Keith John Sweeney, father Keith II, Edward and Nicole.
Mary Jane was also very much in love with her four-legged furry babies; Patty, Tiffany, and JJ.
A visitation for Mary Jane will be held Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 4310 Solutions Lane, Bradenton, FL 34211. A funeral service will occur Monday, September 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Angels, 12905 State Rd 70 E, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202.
Mary Jane was laid to rest on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rtslwr.com for the Souza family.
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