Mary Jane Hardin

Mary Jane Hardin, 61, of Houston, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at her sister’s home in Brenham.

Mary Jane was born, November 15, 1950, to Orval W. and Philamene Hardin in Perry, Oklahoma. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith in Oklahoma. Mary Jane graduated from Brenham High School in 1969, attended Blinn Junior College before receiving her nursing degree (RN) from Brackenridge Nursing School in Austin, TX. Her nursing career spanned over 20 years in the Emergency Room at Brackenridge Hospital and South Austin Medical Center before moving to Houston to help care for her mother. Because of her training as a nurse and her compassionate, caring spirit, Mary Jane lovingly cared for both her parents prior to their death. If nursing was her career and livelihood, then art and photography were her passion, having gone back to the University of Texas on a Kodak Scholarship to pursue a degree in art. She was a gifted and creative artist as well as an avid sports fan, especially college football. Fishing with her nephews or her little great nephew was her favorite summer past time. Mary Jane was a devoted sister, a fun-loving aunt and a loyal friend and neighbor; always putting the needs of others before her own.

Mary Jane is survived by her twin brother, Fred Hardin, of Nashville, TN; sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Bill Nutt of Brenham; brother Jon Hardin of Thibodaux, LA; nephews, Jason and wife, Rebecca Nutt, Jeffrey Nutt and Austin Parker; and great nephew and niece James Patrick and Elina Nutt.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, May 23rd from 6-8 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 24th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 701 Church Street, with Rev. David Ivey as celebrant. Mary Jane’s cremains will be laid to rest with her parents and extended family in Perry, Oklahoma.

The family would like to thank the nurses, aids and all those affiliated with Hospice Brazos Valley for the loving and compassionate care of Mary Jane. Memorials may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham, TX (979) 277-9525.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer Street, Brenham, TX. (979) 836-3611 www.brenhammemorialchapel.com