Mary Jane (Sootsman) Quartermaine

Mary Jane (Sootsman) Quartermaine, 78, of Richland Township and formerly of Hickory Corners and Battle Creek, MI died peacefully with her family at her side, at Rose Arbor Hospice, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

Mary Jane was born August 10, 1945, at the former Community Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer Norbert and Marjorie Ann (Wasson) Sootsman. She grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1963 graduate of Lakeview High School. From 1964 to 2010, Mary Jane was employed as a claims adjuster for one company that was known as Wolverine, Transamerica, and Nationwide insurance.

While employed, a relative introduced her to Frank Quartermaine. Mary Jane Sootsman and Frank Quartermaine were united in marriage on June 11, 1966, at St. Philip Catholic Church. Sadly, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband Frank on August 27, 2010. Surviving are their children, Chris Quartermaine and Kelly Quartermaine both of Kalamazoo; two grandsons, Cooper Quartermaine and Trenton Quartermaine; sisters-in-law, Karen Sootsman, Janet Garland, Carol Davis and Mary Jo Quartermaine; brothers-in-law, Mike (Carol) Quartermaine and Jerry (Mary) Quartermaine and numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. In addition to her husband, Mary Jane was also preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Marjorie; brother, David Sootsman and brother-in-law, Pete Garland.

Mary Jane enjoyed traveling with her husband, Frank while he was working, going to Chicago and out east. She loved spending time with her grandsons, following their activities, sporting events and just keeping up with their lives. She appreciated spending time with her close friends and neighbors, going to dinner, hanging out and taking drives together. Mary Jane will be remembered for her quick wit and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Mary Jane’s honor 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023, at Weatherstone Village Club House, 5210 Marsh Arbor Trial, Kalamazoo, MI  49004.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mary Jane may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-9423, KVCC Baseball c/o Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation, 6767 West O Avenue PO Box 4070, Kalamazoo, MI  49003-4070 or Donors may give online at www.kvcc.edu/foundation and indicate the gifts are in memory of Mary Jane Quartermaine; or Wexner Medical Center, through The Ohio State Foundation, University Square, 14 East 15th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family or memories of Mary Jane may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.