Obituary of Mary Jane Semcer

Mary Jane Semcer

It is with immense sorrow that we announce that Mary Jane Semcer, 83 , of Bonita Springs, FL.  passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2024

Born on April 16, 1941 in Newark NJ, Mary Jane with passion, deep faith, a reverence for life, and an irreverent sense of humor.  Her devotion to her family, friends, and God is steadfast and flows through every moment. Her twinkling Irish eyes indicate she is up to something good and invites those around her to celebrate the blessings bestowed on her through fabulous gourmet meals she has prepared and gatherings with family and friends in the elegantly decorated rooms of her beautiful homes. "MJ"/ Aunt MJ makes everyone feel welcome. An extraordinary hostess, she ensures everyone is cared for and everything is just right, delicious, and fun- whether hosting a formal dinner or a Halloween party for her grandchildren. Affectionally known as "Grandy" by all her grandkids, her adoration and pride in her grandchildren is all-encompassing. A devoted mother and wife, she fiercely nurtures and protects her loved ones and those who are vulnerable. She loves nature and wildlife, from her gardens in Short Hills and Far Hills to the coral reefs of Bermuda to her bird sanctuary in Bonita Bay; she cares for the environment and taught her children and grandchildren to marvel and cherish the wonders of the natural world. She brings beauty, joy, and a good joke wherever she goes, holding us all in her prayers daily. She makes life exquisite for all those lucky enough to be at her table.

Born in Newark, NJ, to Imelda and Frank Donnelly, she was their precious eldest child, big sister, and ringleader to siblings James (Jimmy), Elizabeth Ann (Betsy), and Frank (Buster) Donnelly. The Donnelly brothers and sisters remained close throughout her life and enjoyed family time at their homes on Sagamore Road Millburn and Smith Parish, Bermuda. Mary Jane graduated the Academy of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ in 1959, continuing on to Endicott College earning a BS in Merchandising and Advertising in 1961. She began her career in accounting at Donnelly Brothers Insurance before starting her own family.

Married to her beloved husband, Frank J. Semcer, Sr. for 47 years and blessed with six children and 16 grandchildren. Mary Jane worked hand and hand with her husband to build the foundation of a hugely successful global manufacturing company MICRO headquartered in Somerset NJ.

Her greatest joy is family and service to the communities where she raised her children. Her volunteer work began at the PTAs of Glenwood Elementary School in Short Hills, NJ, and Millburn Township school systems. She continued her volunteer work in the Millburn Short Hills community through her roles as Public Relations Chair for the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills, Recording Secretary for the Short Hills Association, Member of the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, Meals on Wheels of Essex County, and board member of the Coalition Against Aircraft Noise in Far Hills NJ.

Mary Jane champions education in her philanthropic efforts. She supports vital academic institutions, including Stevens Institute of Technology, Seton Hall Prep, and St. Benedict Prep. To encourage a legacy of philanthropy in their own family, Mary Jane and Frank created "Christmas Family Giving," an annual giving and volunteering tradition supporting charities their grandchildren chose. More than 32 charities have received donations, including Mary's Place by the Sea, The Shelter for Abused Women Naples, FL, Chimphaven, The Elephant Sanctuary

Mary Jane and Frank have been members of various golf clubs in Short Hills, Far Hills, and Bonita Springs. It was through difficulty playing golf that the first signs of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy appeared, the disease Mary Jane battled for eight years. Mary Jane and Frank relentlessly sought more information and treatment, and their journey brought them to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. It was at the Mayo Clinic where she was diagnosed with PSP. This active search for her diagnosis inspired her to create more opportunities for PSP research. Mary Jane and Frank created The Mary Jane Semcer Research Legacy Fund at CUREPSP

to help find a cure.

Mary Jane is survived by her devoted husband, Frank J. Semcer Sr., of Bonita Springs, Florida; her brother Frank Donnelly of Dickson City, PA; her six children and their spouses, Alfred and Colleen Carolonza of Pottersville; Susan and Joseph Chanin of Jersey City; Stephen and Karen Carolonza of Belmar; Frank and Tina Semcer of Far Hills, Paige and Dave McCann of Rumson; and Brian and Christine Semcer of Summit; and her 16 grandchildren, Mary and Grace Carolonza; Darcy and Louissa Chanin; Todd, Kate and Sara Carolonza; Olivia Anagnostis, Frank, Carly, and Kiera Semcer; Connor and Ryan McCann, and Jake, Mackenzie and Cooper Semcer. Mary Jane was predeceased by her parents Imelda and Frank Donnelly, her younger siblings James Donnelly and Betsy Christian (nee Donnelly).

Arrangements are being made with Jacob A Holle Funeral, Maplewood, NJ

In lieu of flowers your contribution to The Mary Jane Semcer Research Legacy Fund, at CUREPSP Nancy Caccappolo 325 Hudson Street, FL 4 New York, NY 10013 to help find a cure for PSP.