Mary Jane Redpath passed away on January 8, 2019 at the age of 84. She was born on November 8, 1934 in Chester, Illinois, to Harold and Lucille (Erving) Schopfer. Mary Jane was a resident of Palm Harbor, Florida at the time of her death; formerly of Safety Harbor, FL and Marissa, Illinois.
She was the loving wife of Robert W. Redpath for 64 years who survives her as well as their 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Mary Jane grew up in Chester and Steeleville, IL and met her life-long sweetheart, Bob Redpath, while cheering for the opposing team at a high school basketball game. Their first date was an outing to watch the Harlem Globe-Trotters, followed by a “fine-dining” experience at a White Castle mini-hamburger joint.
Mary Jane attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL with an education major, studying to be a teacher. Mary Jane and Bob were married on Aug. 28, 1954 and they immediately moved to St. Louis, MO where they lived for the next 4 years.
Mary Jane worked at Monsanto Chemical Company where she was the executive secretary for the Director of Research. After Bob graduated from St. Louis University Dental School, they moved to Marissa, IL. where they continued their life together and began raising their family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert Schopfer. Mary Jane worked in banking for short periods, early and later in her life besides her stint as a secretary but basically devoted her life to being a homemaker and volunteer of charitable organizations including the American Red Cross and served as a Girl Scout Leader for several years. She was active in church functions from early childhood to the present serving as a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, both in Illinois and Florida as well as teaching Bible School for many years.
Mary Jane enjoyed many things throughout her life… snow skiing, horseback riding, traveling, cooking, reading, knitting, watching basketball games and horse racing, and especially loved her dogs but most of all, cherished time with her family and close friends as family and friends were always at the center of her life. She loved to cook using her many recipes collected by her for years from many different s. She will be remembered and missed by her family, her many friends and everyone who knew her as she was a loving and sincerely caring person that always displayed a big beautiful smile. In her later years, she was diagnosed with Dementia, which is what ultimately took her life, and it was her wish that her remains be donated to science to hopefully help others in the future.
The family wishes to give special thanks to all of her loving caregivers @ Westchester Gardens Nursing Home where she spent her final days for their kindness, patience, and service. Mary Jane’s Christian faith was strong and she deeply loved her ‘Church Family. ’ A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted @ the Northwood Presbyterian Church, 2875 State Road 580, Clearwater, FL 33761 on Saturday February 16th at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow at the Church.
Surviving immediate family: Husband, Robert W. Redpath, of Palm Harbor, FL. Daughter, Sheryl Laumbattus of Lenzburg, IL, son-in-law, Casey Laumbattus; grandchildren, Jason and Ty Smith, Kristin and Steve Bielke, Danielle and Kelsey Powers; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Aubrie Smith, Isaiah and Mason Page, and Cameron and Payton Bielke. Daughter, Barbara Lyons of Safety Harbor, FL; grandchildren, Christian and Taylor Lyons.
Son, Bob Redpath of Sunland, CA; daughter-in-law, Brenna Redpath; grandchildren, Owen and Eleanor Redpath. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Mary Jane Redpath to the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter by mail to: National Processing Center, Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011, or online @ www. alz.org ; click on ‘Donate’ and then mark ‘tribute gift’, ‘Honoree’ Mary Jane Redpath, or call: (800) 272-3900 .
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