Mary Jane Cook Gerring

Mary Jane grew up on the family farm where she was introduced to the many loves of her life, which included horseback riding, sustainable living, her love of animals, flowers, and deep appreciation for nature and its inspiring beauty.

From an early age she became competent at many tasks and responsibilities on the farm which gave her a lifelong “I can do it” attitude. She embodied beauty and strength, aptitude and courage, she was an inspiring woman.

She was a graduate of Bemus Point High School in 1963 and then attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Mary Jane was a gifted artist. She worked locally as an illustrator for Chautauqua Hardware, she also did many graphic design projects for private businesses including The Chautauqua Bell as well as several custom murals for private residences. She worked for Jamestown Mutual, the Sail Loft in Bemus Point, and she ran her own successful custom upholstery shop for nearly 20 years, ending her talented career at Fancher Chair.

MJ led a life that is impossible to describe by paragraphs and text. She lived a life of beauty and integrity and believed in what was right. Mary Jane was loyal and fierce. She was an advocate for those in need, and had a true gift of mercy and service. She quietly met needs and never sought accolades for her love. Mary Jane had a determination to be positive in the face of impossible odds. She was perpetually optimistic and forever looking to see that everything would work out ok. Never wanting the focus to rest on her but celebrated the lives of those around her. As a wife, mother, and friend she would work tirelessly to comfort, serve, and provide environments of beauty.

Mary Jane led a colorful life of adventure and joy, but her truest peace was found in the shadows of the woods on a horseback ride, working in her garden with dirt stained hands, or sitting quietly on a tree stump watching the snowflakes fall while she waited for a whitetail. She was deeply connected to her surroundings and passionate about her family. She loved her simple life, and from it produced great things in art, memory, and legacy. The best parts of her life live on in those she left behind, and we celebrate the new life she has, walking in the company of the One who made it all.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her brother, Don (Mudgie) Cook; her father, Fred Cook and mother, Gertrude Holbrook Cook.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Gerring; three sons: Trevor (Barbara) Nickerson of Mayville, N.Y.; Tage (Teresa) Nickerson of Snohomish, W]ash., and Benjamin (Jill) Gerring of Dewittville, N.Y.; amd 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Friends and family will be received at the graveside in Dewittville Cemetery at 11 a.m. on June 24, 2022.

Memorial donations may be made to the Maple Springs or Dewittville Volunteer Fire Department.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and support staff of Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com