Mary Jane Low

Mary Jane Low, 85, Bismarck, died November 28, 2013, at her home in Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, December 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Cremation has taken place. Mary Jane was born February 20, 1928, at Oakes, North Dakota, the daughter of Dr. Fred and Stella McCauley Low. Mary Jane and her brother Fred grew up in a house with a lot of pets, especially dogs. Their Danish father was a doctor of veterinary and their vivacious French mother loved to cook and entertain. She attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic grade school at Oakes and graduated from Oakes High School. She attended and graduated from North Dakota State University at Fargo then known as North Dakota Agricultural College with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. After graduation from college, Mary Jane moved with her parents from Oakes to Bismarck. Mary Jane began her journalism career as society editor at the Bismarck Tribune. A resourceful and colorful writer, she energetically covered local events often with camera in hand. Her feature stories vividly portrayed events of local interest. Honesty was a high priority for Mary Jane and her critiques of local drama, music and speaking events were forthright. Early in 1960, after teaching English at Bismarck High School, she joined Jack Kleppe in his real estate business. After several years as a realtor she accepted a position with Conlin's Furniture as an interior decorator. Later she returned to journalism and served as communications director for Social Services at the State Department. She was editor of its publication, Case and Counsel; and she continued in that position until her retirement. Mary Jane had impeccable taste which was evident. She was intelligent, strong minded, kind and generous. She had many talents but the ones she enjoyed the most were her love of cooking, entertaining and decorating. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. Her friends looked forward to her annual Christmas dinners which always included her specialties of Danish meatballs and Hawaiian ribs. Each person left with a beautifully decorated gift and a handful of homemade fudge. She cherished her family and special friends. Mary Jane was a person who possessed an inquisitive mind her entire life. She was a good friend to many, sharing with each, her quick wit and keen insights on many subjects. Mary Jane was a superb hostess and was known for her excellent baking skills. She was preparing for her annual Christmas party at the time of her death. She survived by four nephews, Craig, Jeff, Andy and Mark, and one niece, Karen, their mother Eileen Low Mary Jane's sister -in-law and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Fred and Stella McCauley Low and her brother, Fredrick John Low.

Mary Jane Low

February 20, 1928 - November 28, 2013