In Fall River, April 12, 2008 Mary Jane died after a lengthy illness at the age of 83. She was the wife of the late Francis J. Leary Sr. Mary Jane was born on Oak Bluffs, MA. to the late Ernest & Isabel (Hurley) Merritt. She lived most of her life in Taunton. She graduated Martha’s Vineyard High School and later from Morton Hospital Nursing School in 1947. Mary Jane was employed at Morton Hospital and the nursing supervisor for Paul Dever State School. She was a member of Morton Hospital’s Alumni, enjoyed crafts, spending time on the Vineyard and loved to shop. Mary Jane leaves her children Francis J. Leary Jr. and his wife Avis of Raynham, Michael J. Leary & his wife Barbara of Raynham, Kathleen Ajoue & her husband Paul of North Dighton, Jeanne Durrigan & her husband Michael of Taunton, Terry Walczak of Taunton, Patricia M. Griffin & her husband Francis of Taunton and Ann Bissonnette & her husband Paul of Taunton. Her sister in law Mildred Merritt of Oak Bluffs. Her cousin Thomas Rogers of Chappaquiddick and the late Robert J. Merritt. Mary Jane’s many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by several neices and nephews. Funeral from the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St. in Taunton on Thurs., April 17th at 10am. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Paul’s Church at 11am. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Weds. from 5-8pm. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Fall River. Donations in Mary Jane’s memory may be made to the Morton Hospital Auxiliary Fund, 88 Washington St. Taunton, MA. 02780.