Mary Jane Bentz

Mary Jane (Doyle) Bentz passed peacefully on Monday, June 20, 2022, surrounded by family at the age of 88. She was born in Oakland to Joseph and Agnes Doyle.  During her childhood she attended St. Agnes Elementary School and graduated from Sacred Heart High School.  She enjoyed ice skating and was a member of the ice capades training class.

Upon graduation, Mary Jane was employed as a secretary for United States Steel Corporation Research Center where she met her husband, Ron.  They were married for 65 years and had five children whom they raised in Forest Hills. Being a devoted mother to her five children was her life’s calling.  She was an avid sewer and made many holiday dresses for her daughters, Halloween costumes, and household items.  She taught all her five children to read before they entered school and made sure they had access to incredible amounts of library books as they grew up, in addition to assuring that they participated in a variety of activities and groups.  She was a loving grandmother to her seven grandchildren who brought her so much joy and great pride. Mary Jane was an active member of St. Maurice Parish for over 55 years where she was a Eucharistic Minister, Member of the Christian Mothers Organization, a Lady of Charity, and a long-time prayer warrior of the St. Maurice prayer line.  She visited a local nursing home weekly to pray the Rosary with residents and to serve them Communion.  She was a committed and regular participant in the Golden Sneakers exercise group at the YMCA for more than 27 years.  She enjoyed golfing at Edgewood Country Club and attending Pittsburgh Steeler’s and Pitt Football and Basketball games with her husband. Mary Jane is survived by her children, Robert Bentz of Bellevue, Mary Lynn Foster (Jack) of Brookline, Barbara Staniscia (Jamie) of Murrysville, Susan Ferguson (Mark) of Hampton Twp., and Judy Bulazo (Steve) of Upper St. Clair; her grandchildren, Hallie Foster, Patrick Foster, Joshua Staniscia, Sean Ferguson (Liz), Tara Ferguson, Faley Bulazo, Marina Bulazo; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Her husband Ronald Bentz, sister, Marjorie (Doyle) Conboy, and brothers Joseph Doyle and James Doyle. Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Wednesday from 3-7p.m. Funeral Thursday, Mass of Christian Burial, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, St. Maurice Church at 1p.m.

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