Mary Jane Barber passed away Nov. 30, 2011, at home with her loving family by her side. She was born on June 3, 1931, in Wyoming, Penn., to Washington and Annabelle Draper. Her family moved to New York in 1941 when she then went on to graduate from Trott Vocational School in Niagra Falls. It was there that she would meet the love of her life and future husband of 61 years, Robert Barber.

On orders from the Navy, they eventually moved to Oak Harbor in 1958 and had called Whidbey Island home ever since. Mary Jane raised five wonderful children and acted as a surrogate to many of their friends. She was a wonderful cook and always had food ready for anyone that ever stopped by for a visit.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Laffayette Phillips and Guyon Draper. She is survived by her husband, Robert Barber; a brother, William Draper (Dee) of Sanborn, N.Y.; children, Rhonda Riley (Faustin) of Portland, Ore., Guyon Barber (Vicki) of La Quinta, Calif., Robert Barber of Junction City, Kan., William Barber of Oak Harbor, and David Barber of Oak Harbor. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and her dog Logan.

A celebration of life is being held at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge Sunday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All those who knew and loved Mary Jane are encouraged and welcome to attend.