Mary Jane Harding

On this day, September 24, 2023, Mary Jane Harding peacefully passed at her home, with her beloved husband Robert, by her side.

A T-burg girl at heart, Mary Jane was born to Perley and Alice (nee Nash) Slaght on December 10, 1930. She lived with her parents on Washington Street and had many stories about growing up with her brothers and sister. Mary Jane saw many changes come to T-burg thru the years.

Mary Jane worked as a seamstress at Ithaca Textiles for many years. She became a very talented knitter, family and friends received many baby items and blankets. Sweaters were her specialty and could be seen wearing a different one every day! Hats and mittens for everyone and we do mean everyone!

Mary Jane and Robert were married for 64 years and lived that whole time in T-burg, not more than three miles from where they both grew up.

Mary Jane will be missed by those of us lucky enough to be blessed with one of her smiles. Especially her “favorite” Charlie, whom she always lit up for.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Robert; brother, Steve (Mary) Slaght; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; along with her extended Harding Family, Betty Rumsey, Jack Harding, Susan (Lee) Weaver, Carolyn (Doug) Duddleston and Ken (Karen) Harding. She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, Charles (Carolyn) Slaght and Eloise (Ernest) Conover.

The family would like to thank Linda, Chrissy, Tami, Brenda and the many friends and family that were able to help care for and comfort Mary Jane at home.

A graveside service will be held on Monday October 2, 2023 at 1:00pm at NYS Veterans Cemetery - FLX, 6632 NY-96A, Romulus, NY 14541 (formerly Sampson Veteran Memorial Cemetery).

The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Mary Jane’s memory to kindly consider the SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.