Obituary of Mary Jane Archer

Mary Jane Archer, of State College, died Thursday March 10, 2011 at Mount Nittany Medical Center with her sister Becky by her side. Fondly referred to as "Jay," Mary Jane was born in Houtzdale, the daughter of the late Thomas Steven and Agnes O'Connor Archer. She was preceded in death by two brothers; William (Posie) Archer, John (Jack) Archer, and her sister Katherine Archer Kline. Mary Jane is survived by two younger sisters; Elizabeth (Becky) Glenn and Ellen (Effie) Bellotti, and numerous, adoring nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. After the death of her father, "Jay" moved to State College and rented out rooms to college students. In 1955 she started a job with Progressive News in Magazine Distribution (which meant lots of comic books for all those nieces and nephews.) In 1965 Mary Jane started employment with Penn State Housing & Food Services where she worked until her retirement in 1989. Jay worked for Penn State 24 years without taking a sick day or a vacation day. Mary Jane was a dedicated, faithful Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Victory Church. Although she never married or had any children of her own, she helped raise six children after the death of her sister's husband in 1963 and she was involved in the care of countless great nieces, nephews and children of friends and neighbors. Mary Jane lived a simple life and when asked what was most memorable about her life, she replied with a smile on her face, "Raising children! I would never trade a single moment." Jay is credited with teaching many children how to do cart-wheels, ice skate, and tie their shoes. As she requested there will be a simple grave side service on Monday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Lawrence Cemetery in Houtzdale with the Rev. Joseph Staszewski officiating. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of Victory Church, State College, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801.