Mary Jane (Gorman) Henger, 92

March 02, 2025

Mary Jane (Gorman) Henger was born April 1, 1932, and passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2025, surrounded by her children. Born and raised in Johnstown, PA, she married Jerome Henger in 1950. In 1964, they made the difficult decision to leave their hometown in search of better opportunities, settling in Lancaster with their four children. While Mary Jane grew to love Lancaster, she always held her western PA roots close to her heart. Once in Lancaster, she and her husband became founding members of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in 1967. A devoted parishioner, she was active in church life, including the Guys and Dolls club.

Beyond raising four children, Mary Jane pursued a career in nursing earning her LPN certification at the age of forty-seven. However, her true passion lay in the arts. A gifted watercolorist, she was a dedicated member of the Lancaster Art Association for more than thirty years, earning numerous awards. Family and friends cherished her hand painted birthday and Christmas cards, each a testament to her creativity and thoughtfulness. She also illustrated a children’s book written by her daughter Colleen which was inspired by her granddaughter Ella’s trips to the Lancaster Central Market, the book’s proceeds supported the local Power Packs charity. Mary Jane’s generous spirit extended beyond her art and for over twenty-five years, she volunteered at the Water Street Mission.

A passionate traveler, she had great joy in visiting many countries, especially Ireland and Germany, fitting for an Irish lass married to a German! She was also an active member of the Liederkranz for many years. Among her most treasured memoirs was sailing on the QE2 to England and returning on the Concorde. Winters in the Florida Keys with Lancaster friends and afternoons on the tennis court were among her favorite pastimes.

She is survived by her children, Colleen Robustelli -Julian (Sam), Patricia M. Henger, Jerome F. Henger (Carol), and Carolyn H. Oaks (Charles); five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerome, and her brothers, Thomas and John Gorman. Also survived by her beloved cat “Charlie”! Mary Jane will be dearly missed but forever remembered those lives she touched.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at 11:00 AM at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, Millersville. Family and friends are invited to a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM followed by Mass at 11 AM. Mary Jane will be laid to rest at St. Joseph New Roman Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Water Street Mission, Lancaster.