Mary Jane Haldeman, 93, of Harvard, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary Jane was born Oct. 17, 1931, in Harvard, the daughter of John J. and Edna (Timming) Hawver. She graduated from Harvard High School class of 1949. Mary Jane lived on the family farm in Big Foot until she married Edwin D. Haldeman on April 25, 1953, in Harvard.
Mary Jane started working as a secretary for the school district in the fall of 1949 at Central School until 1953 when she took on her new role as a wife. She returned to the school district in 1971 until 1991 at Jefferson School.
Mary Jane was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday School for several years. She was also a member of the United Presbyterian Women, Circe IV, and Mission Quilters. She served the church as an Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. She served as Chairman of the Building Committee from 1996 to 2002. Mary Jane also enjoyed visiting shut-ins and people in the nursing homes. She was a member of the Retired Women of Harvard and worked for several years at the local food pantry. She was a past member of the Blackhawk Bicycle Club and the McHenry County Bicycle Club.
She and Ed enjoyed traveling to all fifty states, Korea, Europe, Peru, and Costa Rica. They made numerous trips across the United States.
Mary Jane is survived by her children, Steven E. (Debbie) Haldeman of Jonesboro, Illinois, Lon D. (Susan) Haldeman of Sharon, Kenneth J. Haldeman of Chicago and AFS son John (Lorraine) Peirce of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ed; six siblings, Hollie Cepek, Henry Hawver, John Jr., Carroll, Donald, and Jeanette Weiss; her parents; granddaughter Erica, and one sister-in-law.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, from 4 until 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 7100 Harvard Hills Road, Harvard. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Claire Brennecka officiating.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net. For more information, call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at 815-943-5400.
