Mary Jane Berkowitz, devoted church member

Mary Jane Berkowitz, 77, of Milton, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Mary Jane was born  April 4, 1947, in Sandusky, Ohio, to the late Lee and Cleonia Snell Harpst. 

Mary Jane was a dedicated member of Eagle’s Nest Church, where she assisted the production crew and played the piano in her church. She led Bible studies and was an active addition to the church. Mary Jane enjoyed playing and teaching the piano, gardening, and keeping her house looking beautiful. She took the role of chief navigator while boating to Savannah, Ga., with her husband, George. Above all, she was dedicated to her family and made sure they knew how loved they were. She often sang harmonies with her daughter and played touch football with her grandsons. She came up with the idea of nonprofessional pianists getting together in the community. She had sung in, accompanied, and directed choirs, and a woman’s barbershop chorus and quartet. 

In addition to her parents, Mary Jane is preceded in death by her son, George Douglas Berkowitz; grandson, George Ryan Berkowitz; brother, Jack Harpst; and sister, Donna Ahner.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, George Berkowitz; daughters, Melissa Henni (Halim) and Lisa Patmor (Kelly); grandchildren, Alexa Patmor and George Gavin Berkowitz; sister, Nancy Smith; and her beloved cat, Barcelona.

A funeral service will be held to honor the memory of Mary Jane at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 416 Federal St., Milton. A time of visitation will be held before the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Mary Jane’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.