Mary Jane Urlaub

She grew up in the small Texas town of Uvalde. UHS Class of 1960. She experienced life from both sides of the track, full of its joys and challenges, for better and worse. Tough, smart, feisty, creative, honest, and joyful, she saw humanity in all people. Mary Jane fulfilled her dreams of seeing other parts of the world and lived numerous places in her life; San Antonio, TX; Longview, TX, Portland OR; San Francisco, CA; Madison, WI; San Diego, CA; Dallas, TX and lastly Coppell, TX… having made good friends all along the way.

Mary Jane worked her first job in Dallas, TX at KERA TV station followed by the Texas Employment Agency in various cities across Texas; Later in life she pursued her love of sewing by making beautiful things for her family and friends. Mom was often giving to others. Be it raising her children; volunteering and raising money for non-profits and schools; advocating for kids and teachers; being a freelance journalist and more. Mom loved the arts. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts from Texas Women’s University, Denton, TX. Texas wildflowers were another love of hers. She would travel the state in search of the best wildflower fields. She also loved planting gorgeous flower gardens at home wherever they would grow.

More recently, “Granny” was known all over Coppell, TX supporting her grandchildren’s school, sports, and dance endeavors. She traveled to North Carolina, when possible, to spend time with her younger grandchildren to drink in their interests and passions. She loved her family deeply. They all made her extremely proud. She often spoke of how her legacy lives on in her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren.

Mary Jane was a strong independent woman who left this earth on her own terms July 17, 2023. At 80 years old she was 100% independent, living on her own. Illness set in unexpectedly, 18 days in the hospital battling severe pneumonia. She passed peacefully surrounded by a lot of her family. Her humor and sarcasm were consistent the entire time as she had funny moments with us and the hospital staff. She was more worried about all of us than herself. Mary Jane loved to kick up her heels and dance. We are confident she is dancing, singing, and laughing in Heaven with her family and friends ahead of her. Cheers to Mary Jane/ Granny!

Mary Jane was predeceased by her father, mother, as well as her beloved “Aunt Rosie”, additional family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Bartolacci (Barry) and son, Ivan Urlaub (Diana); Grandchildren Zach, Josh and Katie Bartolacci and Adriana and Sebastian Urlaub; and ex-husband, Bernard Urlaub.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 11, at 2 p.m. at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, 400 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell, TX 75019.

Donations may be made to KERA Television in Dallas, TX https://www.kera.org/donate/ or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org - two organizations Mary Jane consistently supported over the years.