Mary Jane Renner
84, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2015. Mary Jane was born on August 27,1930, in Poughkeepsie NY to William and Carrie Renner. An adventurous spirit she enjoyed many escapades growing up in Pawling, NY, with her brothers Howard and Harry as well as lifelong friend Helen Cook. She later attended Transylvania University and ultimately Tulane University where she earned her Masters in Social Work.
Mary Jane served society with numerous efforts in membership, counseling and rehabilitation. She served as a Methodist Missionary prior to her conversion to the Roman Catholic faith. Ms. Renner worked for eighteen years in Louisville, KY where she held numerous supervisory roles for the State of Kentucky Department of Social Services. Her next endeavor was Clinical Director for East Valley Catholic Services in Mesa, Arizona. Mary Jane’s last stop was Head and Neck Surgery Associates (CENTA) in Indianapolis, IN in 1991. Here in Indiana, she was a highly visible member of the cancer support community especially with her work in the Leukemia Society, the Wellness Center, Hoosier Anamilo Club, WebWhispers, and as the Executive Secretary for the Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation Institute. Nationally, Mary Jane was recognized as a lecturer and published counselor in her accomplishments with laryngectomee rehabilitation and cancer survivorship. Mary Jane’s efforts in assisting laryngectomee patients led to her sole support of the Information Hotline for Laryngectomee and Head and Neck Cancer patients, and also took her world wide in travel.
Some of Mary Jane’s premier accomplishments included special recognition for her service, dedication, compassion and commitment to patients. These include: The Wellness Community of Central Indiana- Volunteer of the Year 1995; The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Dedicated Volunteer 2002; WebWhispers Nu-Voice Club Casey-Cooper Award 2003; The International Association of Laryngectomees – Lifetime Achievement Award: 2007; Drug Free Marion County – Community Service Award, January 2009; Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers – Honoree, December 2009; The International Association of Laryngectomees – Master Clinician Award 2009; The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
– Volunteer of the Year 2009; The International Association of Laryngectomees – Out Living Award: 2013.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and nieces. Her love of canines, patients, human spirit and a good martini are the treasures her friends will always remember her for.
