Here is Mary Jane's obituary from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. She went by Mary Jane Carlin when we were in school. She went to Oxford, Monticello, and, of course, Heights. I think she dropped the Jane later as an adult. The below obituary was from about June 2013.
CARLIN MARY JANE CARLIN, beloved daughter of Marie C. (nee McGuire) and Vincent George Carlin (both deceased), loving cousin of Barbara and Pat Rooney, Gayle and Woody Jones, Kathy and Steve Wickham and their families, devoted friend of many, 31 year member of Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Friday at St. Gregory the Great Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD ROAD, LYNDHURST (East of Richmond Rd.) 4-8 P.M. THURSDAY ONLY. Contributions in Mary Jane's memory suggested to The St. Cecilia Foundation, 1025 Winding Creek Lane, Lyndhurst, OH 44124www.stceciliafoundation.org. ONLINE GUESTBOOK AND ORDER FLOWERS AT www.fiorittofuneralservice.net
I did not have the pleasure of the acquaintance of Mary Jane in high school. I did not meet her until the mid 80's. We were both members of the St. Greory Choir in South Euclid. One day during our dialogue we discovered we both were alumni's of the June Class of 66.
Mary Jane was also a member of the Cleveland Orchestra's soprano section. Her voice was angelic, but she did not flaunt herself. She was rather shy, but very professional. I always invited the St. Greg Choir to come down to the Veteran's Administration hospital to sing Christmas Carols for the hospitalized Veterans.
Mary Jane was always the first to donate her time to the cause.
Sadly,she was diagnosed with cancer, but never let that illness get in the way of singing for the Lord. It was getting close to her end, but she approached me to ask if we were going to sing Carols for the Veterans only a few months before she passed. I told her that she should stay back as her health was more important, but she wouldn't hear it. She assured me that it was medicinal for her to be a part of what we were doing for the sick Veterans. While we were there for her last performance she asked if she could sing a solo. All I can say is that she did an excellent-excellent job. After we were done, she had us all come to her residence and hosted a great evening for us all.
Mary is missed by many people who enjoyed her magnificant voice. May she continue to rest in peace.
The choir director that presided during a period of time when Mary Jane and I were members sent me this response after he read my testimony on Mary Jane Carlin:
Good to hear from you Russ.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Mary Jane. Never knew you both attended the same school. Was it in the area of St. Gregory? Just curious.
Your compliments mirror mine. I was blessed to know her as a kind person as well as an exceptional musician. I assure you, beyond the walls of St. Gregory, Mary Jane had a huge, loving list of friends at Severance as well. The talent within those wall is pro-level and as you state, she never flaunted her gift of singing. She was chosen to sing solos with the orchestra on some concerts, and was often chosen for Master Classes where a guest choral director uses an exceptional chorus member for instructional purposes.
When Mary Jane passed, about 70 members of Cleveland Orchestra Chorus members sang at her funeral along with members of the St. Gregory Choir. She planned great music for that mass and it was my privilege to direct the combined choir. Mary Jane was loved by all who knew her.
Finally, the word humble comes to mind in my Mary Jane memories. Others with her choral talent commonly have an attitude that is less than pleasant. No so with Mary Jane. A great talent, but always humble and caring. I could go on, but you've opened a box of memories I will alway cherish. Best wishes on your reunion.
Robert Wagner
Here is Mary Jane's obituary from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. She went by Mary Jane Carlin when we were in school. She went to Oxford, Monticello, and, of course, Heights. I think she dropped the Jane later as an adult. The below obituary was from about June 2013.
CARLIN MARY JANE CARLIN, beloved daughter of Marie C. (nee McGuire) and Vincent George Carlin (both deceased), loving cousin of Barbara and Pat Rooney, Gayle and Woody Jones, Kathy and Steve Wickham and their families, devoted friend of many, 31 year member of Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Friday at St. Gregory the Great Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD ROAD, LYNDHURST (East of Richmond Rd.) 4-8 P.M. THURSDAY ONLY. Contributions in Mary Jane's memory suggested to The St. Cecilia Foundation, 1025 Winding Creek Lane, Lyndhurst, OH 44124www.stceciliafoundation.org. ONLINE GUESTBOOK AND ORDER FLOWERS AT www.fiorittofuneralservice.net
Russ Scarvelli
I did not have the pleasure of the acquaintance of Mary Jane in high school. I did not meet her until the mid 80's. We were both members of the St. Greory Choir in South Euclid. One day during our dialogue we discovered we both were alumni's of the June Class of 66.
Mary Jane was also a member of the Cleveland Orchestra's soprano section. Her voice was angelic, but she did not flaunt herself. She was rather shy, but very professional. I always invited the St. Greg Choir to come down to the Veteran's Administration hospital to sing Christmas Carols for the hospitalized Veterans.
Mary Jane was always the first to donate her time to the cause.
Sadly,she was diagnosed with cancer, but never let that illness get in the way of singing for the Lord. It was getting close to her end, but she approached me to ask if we were going to sing Carols for the Veterans only a few months before she passed. I told her that she should stay back as her health was more important, but she wouldn't hear it. She assured me that it was medicinal for her to be a part of what we were doing for the sick Veterans. While we were there for her last performance she asked if she could sing a solo. All I can say is that she did an excellent-excellent job. After we were done, she had us all come to her residence and hosted a great evening for us all.
Mary is missed by many people who enjoyed her magnificant voice. May she continue to rest in peace.
Russ Scarvelli
The choir director that presided during a period of time when Mary Jane and I were members sent me this response after he read my testimony on Mary Jane Carlin: