Mary J. Crane passed away at her home on May 10, 2017 in Orange Park, FL. She was born on February 7, 1924 in Springfield, MA to the late Eli Joseph Retell and Mary McCartly.

Mary graduated Valedictorian from Sacred Heart High School in June of 1941. She worked as a secretary at Monarch and Aetna Life Insurance Companies and was a member of St Catherine’s Catholic Church in Orange Park, FL.

Mary relocated to Orange Park, FL in 1997 from Springfield, MA. Ms. Mary, undoubtedly, had two passions: swimming and ballroom dancing. Until illness, at age 89, restricted her active lifestyle, she was an avid ballroom dancer and loved to do laps in the pool. Through the years she participated in many local and out of state dance competitions and had a bookcase full of awards displaying her many accomplishments.

Mary loved to smile, loved people and, most importantly, loved life.

No doubt Ms. Mary is there in heaven greeting all who arrive. You’ll recognize her…she’s the lady with the “flower in her hair”. And oh, don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance…Ms. Mary will glide you through the Pearly Gates with grace, style and class.

 A visitation will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233 and a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.

 Service Information