Mary Jane Kowalski

Mary Jane (nee: Baraga) Kowalski, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the Slovene Home For The Aged in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 92.

She was a devoted, loved and cherished daughter, wife, mother and great-grandmother, affectionately known as Gi Gi Ma by Nate.

Mary Jane was born on September 4, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended East Madison Primary School and graduated from John Hay High School. In her early years, she worked at the former Cleveland Press Newspaper. Throughout her life, Mary Jane was known by her family and friends for her warm, funny, extremely generous and loving personality.

She is survived by her children, Janet (Gregory) Swider and Michael (Karen) Christy; grandchildren, Adam Swider, Laura (Stephen) Christy Singleton, Thomas Christy (fiancé, Kaitlin) and great-grandson, Nathanael August Swider.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Joseph Baraga; her beloved husband, August J. “Mickey” Kowalski; and several aunts and uncles, Anna Ban, John Ban, George Ban, Sophia Kopec and Helen Carevich. She was also very blessed by her four-legged, much-loved dog, Cindy.

One of Mary Jane’s many joys in her early years was spending vacations with Mickey and her whole family on Kelley’s Island, and later in life on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City with Mickey, who would have literally hung the moon and stars for her if possible.

She treasured these moments as well as the countless and priceless times she spent with her children, and so very loved and adored grandchildren. Her influence on them will last a lifetime, her love for them will last an eternity. They were her bright and shining light, and their lives were made so much richer for having had her in them. “Goodnight, Sweet Princess, Let Flights of Angels Sing Thee To Thy Rest.”

Private family memorial services and interment at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.