Mary Jane Fraser

Mary Jane Fraser (Owens), age 81, of Franklin, Indiana, formerly of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away at 4:20 a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Compass Park Skilled Nursing Facility. Mary was born on Thursday, March 26, 1942, to Elbern Grover Owens and Audrey Ellen Stewart. Growing up in East Oolitic, affectionately known as “Spien Kopj,” Mary graduated from Oolitic High School in 1960. She worked at various companies throughout her career, including RCA, Travelers, Dole Pineapple, Kroger, and General Electric (GE), retiring from GE in 2004. Mary met her beloved husband, Cyrus Leon Fraser, through mutual friends. The couple shared a whirlwind romance, marrying on October 27, 1963, in Orleans, Indiana, following a playful proposal sparked by a humorous birthday card. In 2023, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Mary's interests included gardening, nature, deer-watching, and especially spending time with her grandchildren, whether baking together or enjoying meals at the Golden Corral. Her family was her greatest joy, including Cyrus, her husband of 60 years. Mary is survived by her three daughters, Valerie Gray of Fulton, Indiana; Beth (Bryan) Neely of Greenwood, Indiana; and Amy (Mike) Sears of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a loving grandmother to seven grandchildren: Emily (Levi) Mappin of Lucerne, Indiana; Ethan (Brittany) Sailors of Kewanna, Indiana; Bryan Patrick and Alex Neely of Greenwood, Indiana; Rebecca, Miley, and Lily Sears of Indianapolis, Indiana; and five great-grandchildren: Oaklie and Weston Mappin of Lucerne, Indiana; Sarah and Raylan Sailors of Kewanna, Indiana; and Lily Neely of Greenwood, Indiana. She is also remembered by her sister, Edna DePierre. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Elbern and Audrey Owens; her brother, Charles Owens; her sister, Wilma Crandall (Owens); and her husband, Cyrus Leon Fraser. Funeral Services will be held at Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington, Indiana, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 1 p.m., officiated by Millard Jones of East Oolitic Community Church. Burial will follow at Clear Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., prior to the funeral service. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Mary Jane Fraser

March 26, 1942 - January 1, 2024