Mary Jane Tate

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mary Jane Tate, 82, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 15, 2012, at home surrounded by family at her side.

Mary Jane was born February 23, 1930, in Kennebec, South Dakota, to Virgil and Ardis Williams. Her family moved to California when she was five years old and was a Ventura County resident for over 60 years. Her father and grandfather helped build the Camarillo State Hospital and St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo.

She was a technical librarian for Raytheon in the early 70s then continued her career working in government contracting where she was in charge of the data control centers at Point Mugu. After retiring in 1993 she went to work for Jon Greene's Tree Care, managing the office for several years.

Mary Jane was very active in community service and involved in the PTA, Brownies and Girl Scouts, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW at Port Hueneme, just to name a few.

Her favorite past times were going to the horse races; reading; singing, playing, listening and dancing to music; but most of all she enjoyed family gatherings and excursions, arranging for cruises and vacations with family and friends, and the annual, girls-only, Palm Springs trip with daughters, sisters, nieces and friends.

Mary Jane was well known as a great conversationalist and had an infectious laugh. She was such a gracious and thoughtful friend, always reaching out to keep in touch, that it is no wonder why she had so many great friends. She was always true to herself and in the words of Frank Sinatra she would be able to sing “I did it my way!”

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, John L. Tate; her children Christine Gonzales (Edward); Gail Skidmore (Bill); Jane Gojkovich; Gregory Gojkovich; Joan “Punky” Gojkovich; John David Gojkovich (Becky); Gina Greene (Jon); daughter-in-law Jean Gojkovich (Michael*); 26 grand children; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters Ruth Trager and Joan Shumaker; brother Richard Williams; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and son Michael Gojkovich*.

A special thank you to all of her doctors and nurses affiliated with Community Memorial in Ventura, Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles, and Livingston Memorial.

Services for Mary Jane will be held on Saturday, April 21st, 9:00 A.M. at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, with Jim Wells officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.