Mary Jane Pogreba

March 19, 1920 - November 1, 2014

Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Mary Jane Pogreba, died peacefully in her sleep November 1 at the age of 94.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Mary Jane moved to Los Angeles in 1941. Mary Jane was a resident of Manhattan Beach and a member of American Martyrs Church for 65 years. With her husband, Ed, she raised 4 daughters.

Jane was an inveterate traveler and never turned down the opportunity for a road trip – even into her 90's – and loved to be on the go, seeing new sights and learning new things. When asked if she wanted to go somewhere, she would always reply, "All I have to do is get my shoes on."

She was never idle, claiming that if she didn't move she would "get rusty". She refused to let her age define her and was often heard to utter the well-known words "I've got things to do!" She baked the best irish soda bread from her grandmother's recipe.

Mom was brave and funny and taught us everything we know about keeping our sense of humor and our patience while being mothers, sisters and grown-up human beings.

She leaves behind family members who miss her dearly — daughters Anne Pogreba Baker, Chris Pogreba Davis, Judy Pogreba and Mary Pogreba Jett and son-in-law Mike Jett and grandchildren Matt Baker, Molly Baker, Dana Davis, Eileen Shea Davis, Keira Jett, Avery Jett and Lucas Jett.

In lieu of flowers, Jane asked that donations be made to Sister Michele at House of Yahweh, PO Box 1089, Lawndale, CA 90260

A Rosary will be held at American Martyrs Church; the date is yet to be determined. A private service for immediate family will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.

If I should go before the rest of you

Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone

Nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday voice

But be the usual selves that I have known

Weep if you must

Parting is hell

But life goes on,

So sing as well.

- by Joyce Grenfell