Mary Jane (Calkins) Sexton

On January 8, the world lost some brilliance. Mary Jane Sexton, 83, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and matriarch was born October 12, 1939, to Howard and Jane (Zimmerman) Calkins. She shined with wit and charm every day since. A true product of Westvale, Mary Jane graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1957 and CCBI in 1958. 

On October 15, 1960, Mary Jane married John Sexton, the love of her life, at St. Patrick’s Church on Tipperary Hill. For 28 joy-filled years, she made their home a warm and welcoming place filled with food, laughter, and Pepsi. 

A Betty Crocker Award recipient, Mary Jane was well known for her phenomenal cooking and baking. She worked tirelessly for every meal, bringing artistry to everything from holiday feasts to the perfect sandwich for lunch. She drew great satisfaction and joy from hosting, and every plate she served was worthy of a photo shoot, as she often remarked, “You feed the eye before the stomach.” She had an eye for design, which she passed on to several of her children and grandchildren. She kept her home immaculately decorated, yet exceedingly comfortable for anyone lucky enough to drop in.

After John’s passing in October of 1988, Mary Jane began her 20-year career at St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center, where her organizational skills and sense of humor endeared her to everyone with whom she worked. 

Any list of Mary Jane’s achievements would, by necessity, be incomplete, as her generosity was boundless and many of her small considerations were a secret between her and the recipient. She volunteered at Sarah’s Guest House, made regular donations to the Mundy Branch Library, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Wounded Warrior Project. She never failed to give of herself to whomever she met. A voracious reader, she loved poetry and frequently recited lines she had memorized from her favorites. She was a vivacious woman who made life better for everyone who knew her. She was active in the Syracuse Antiques Club, taught many of her grandchildren how to cartwheel, and loved attending the theater and taking friends and family out to lunch. 

A woman of many skills, Mary Jane also had many names: Mare, Gramma, Shu-Shu, Grammie, Grandma Mare, and Gamama. Regardless of the name, Mary Jane answered eagerly. She worked to make a special connection with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved nothing more than having her whole, enormous family together for celebrations and exquisite meals. 

Mary Jane was predeceased by her husband, John; nephew, Todd Alger in 2008; and grandson, Philip Bernstein in 2019. 

Surviving are her children, John (Lois), Michael, Kevin, Janie (Adam) Bernstein, and Tricia (Mark) Holtzman; brother, Howard W. (Rosalie) Calkins; sister, Kathy (Skip) Alger; and her companion of several years, Ray Luber.  Mary Jane absolutely loved all of her 16 grandchildren as well as her four great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her.  Her surviving grandchildren are, Katie (Adam) Eichelberger, Erin (Kord) Weber, Colleen (Nate) Boyar, Kevin, Meghan, Emily, Timmy, Jennifer, Tommy, Patrick, Rachel, Robbie, Liam, Jacob, and Molly. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, AJ, Emma, Maggie, and Marcus.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, January 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 13 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Mary Jane will be laid to rest in St. Agnes Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sarah’s Guest House, 100 Roberts Ave., Syracuse, NY 13207, or to the St. Camillus Foundation, 813 Fay Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219.