Mary Jane Noland (1954-2009)

Mary Jane at Seattle Mariners Game
We are devastated by the loss of Mary Jane Noland (December 14, 1954 – August 31, 2009).

Mary Jane (wife of “membership guy” Craig Noland who also helps maintain this website) was always a smiling, positive presence in the Club. She never complained and always rolled up her sleeves to volunteer.

Mary Jane did the announcement on the Club Hotline. Listen to her here.

Craig and Mary Jane hosted the 1992 convention at Mount Rogers in their first year at the club. She also bore the brunt of the work at the 2006 North Carolina convention.

Despite carrying a portable respirator in the last couple years she has continued to work for the club including preparing the children bags at the 2009 New Jersey Convention and manning the registration and Merc tables.

For those of us who have known her over the years this is an enormous personal loss for which words cannot describe.

Funeral service 12 PM Friday, September 4 in the East Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. W.W. Cope and Father Jay Flaherty officiating. Entombment will follow in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The Family will receive friends 5-7 PM Thursday, September 3 at Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)

Her obituary and condolence book is at:
http://atchleyfuneralhome.com/obits.html

Some photos are at:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Mary&w=75527119%40N00

We have turned on comments so you can express your condolences here.

Obituary

Mary Jane Brown Noland, age 54 of Sevierville, passed away Monday, August 31, 2009. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, served in the U.S. Navy and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Survivors:
Husband: Craig Noland
Brother and sister-in-law: Bill and Justine Brown of Butler, PA
Sisters and brother-in-law: Patty and Danny Whaley of Sevierville, TN, Carol Brown of New Kensington, PA
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Ersa Rhea Noland Smith and husband Charles
Nieces and Nephews: Danielle Whaley, Catie Brown and boyfriend Tommy Walters, Maria Cosme and husband Jose, Robin Smith, Chris Smith, Stacey Galyon Catlett, Monya Smith Roberts, Joe Galyon, Charisse Galyon Tinker and Chad Smith
Several great nieces and great nephews
Many extended family members and friends
Friends in The Highpointers Club

Here is Club President Jim Sutton’s message of August 31 at 8:09 PM

It is with deep sadness that I must inform you (many of you may already know; as this family is close) that Mary Jane Noland died today. Our beloved MJ has been suffering for some time with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. She has been a stalwart pillar of the HPC since
it began, and her spirit, her laughter and her counsel will be terribly missed.

Please do not attempt to call Craig at this time. Tim Webb and others are converging on Sevierville at this time to assist with the arrangements and to support Craig.

Funeral arrangements are currently being prepared, and I will pass them on to you as soon as I learn of them. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend the memorial. In the meantime, please keep Craig and MJ
in your good thoughts and fervent prayers. JES

Here is Jim’s message of September 3 at 12:11 PM

The following link will take you to the information concerning Mary Jane Noland’s funeral:

http://atchleyfuneralhome.com/obits.html

This site also includes map location and driving directions.

As many of you already know, there will be visitation from 5-7 PM Thursday evening, and then the funeral service at the funeral home Friday at noon. This is short notice, I know, but it would be wonderful support if as many of you as possible can make it there. I plan to attend if I can get a flight at this late date.

We have a motion and second on the floor to purchase flowers for MJ. While not all board members have voted, we already have eight votes. Therefore, the motion is passed. I will make arrangements for flowers to be sent. I will keep the arrangement at a reasonable cost. I’ll submit an invoice to the Board later.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and memories. Your responses make me very proud to be a member of the extended family. I will pass those on to Craig and the family. Take care. JES

The forum page is at:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/3897/message/1251911149/Mary+Jane+Noland+%281954-2009%29

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7 Responses to Mary Jane Noland (1954-2009)

  1. Jerry Bresnahan says:

    I am very sorry to hear the sad news about Mary Jane. I haven’t been a member of the Highpointers club for all that long and didn’t know Mary Jane very well but did have the pleasure of talking with her at several Konventions, most recently in New Jersey just last month. She always impressed me as being a real great lady. She will be missed!
    My sincerest condolences to Craig and the family!

  2. Paul Pometto says:

    Mary Jane brought so much happiness to so many of us. I feel fortunate to have laughed with her and Craig at the convention. I send condolences to the family and close friends and hope that we shall all meet again in a future life. Love to all, Paul

  3. Mary J Lobb says:

    I greatly appreciate the time and talent that Mary Jane dedicated to the Highpointers Club. It is with this dedication that makes the Club an
    oustanding organization open to all who love our great country and have a desire to see as many of the 50 states as possible with like-minded folks.

    My condolences and thanks to Mary Jane’s family and friends.
    Mary

  4. Bill & Rosemary Deitzer says:

    Mary Jane was a pleasure to work with, especially during the City of Pigeon Forge’s Wildlife Wilderness Week. Her warmth and willinginess to always pitch in represented her and Craig’s devotion to the Club and to getting things done.

    When Mary Jane said it would be done, it happened!

    She always never complained about her personal challenges and was friendly to all.

    She will remain always in our thoughts and prayers.

  5. Gary Szelc says:

    To say the least it was most shocking news. MJ had this nice, sweet, understated, but quietly powerful way about her that got things done. We’ll miss you Mary Jane, but we’ll cherish those memories and think of you standing on the highest mountaintop of all.

    Much strength and peace to Craig and family and friends.

    Gary

  6. CC says:

    Mary Jane was a pleasure to work with, especially during the City of Pigeon Forge’s Wildlife Wilderness Week. Her warmth and willinginess to always pitch in represented her and Craig’s devotion to the Club and to getting things done.

    When Mary Jane said it would be done, it happened!

    She always never complained about her personal challenges and was friendly to all.

    She will remain always in our thoughts and prayers.

  7. Ann Gentle says:

    I am so sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. The kids and I were so surprised and delighted by the children’s bags, especially at the NC Konvention. Mary Jane was so attentive to my boys and they just ate it up. It has been a great pleasure seeing her at the Konventions; we will miss her.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Craig.

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