Obituary of Mary Jane Ricketts

Mary Jane Ricketts, 83, of Pine Grove Mills, PA, passed away at home on November 16, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 2, 1939 in Coalport, PA, to the late Modesto and Mary (Watkavitch) Serafini. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, Henry, Gerald, and Thomas Serafini.

On September 24, 1966, she married Robert A. Ricketts, who passed away in 2015. They were happily married for almost 49 years and enjoyed camping and traveling together. She was the loving mother of three daughters, Mary (Ed) Robert of State College, PA; Marcia (Doug) Sweitzer of Brogue, PA; and Melissa Ricketts (Doug Leitzell) of Mechanicsburg, PA. She was also a proud and loving grandmother to four grandchildren: Megan and Matthew Robert, and Terese and Nicolle Sweitzer. Her family will greatly miss her competitive spirit, sense of humor, and unconditional love.

Mary Jane graduated from BCI High School in Coalport, PA, in 1956. She was known for her athletic ability on the baseball field and for driving around in her prized white and red Plymouth convertible. She devoted her life to raising her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She created so many memories with them that they will cherish forever.

Mary Jane was a master jigsaw puzzler, an avid reader, and she loved watching the Hallmark Movie Channel. She was a huge Penn State sports fan, especially Penn State football, and also enjoyed cheering for the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers. She could talk sports with the best of them and often did! Mary Jane loved camping with her family at Prince Gallitzin State Park and playing ball with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Father George Jakopac officiating. Burial will be in the spring at the convenience of the family.