Mary Jane Erickson

Mary Jane Thompson Erickson born on October 16, 1932, passed away peacefully April 22, 2026, at the age of 93. She was a resident of Melbourne, Florida. Mary Jane grew up in Upper Montclair, New Jersey and spent summers at her family’s summer home at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. She graduated from Montclair High School in 1950, attended Colby College in New Hampshire and married Robert H. Erickson in 1954. She raised her family of six children in Upper Montclair, later moving to Naples, Florida and ultimately to Melbourne, Florida.

Mary Jane’s primary interests were: her devotion to the Episcopal Church, P.E.O. (a philanthropic educational organization where she was a very engaged member for 73 years) and especially, her love of music. Mary Jane started her musical involvement as a high school student in the Madrigal Choir, All State Chorus and church choirs. As an adult she was active with the The Montclair School Community Project Chorus, The Oratorio Society of New Jersey and as a “Rockin’ Tenor” in the Naples Philharmonic Chorale.

Mary Jane was predeceased by her parents, Richard B. And Marion B. Thompson, her son Richard James Erickson and her sister Linda T. Holstein. She is survived by her children, Susan L. Owens (Paul), Kristin J. Ditta, Douglas T. Erickson (Margaret), Jennifer L. Erickson (Stacy), John R. Erickson (Lori) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of life, with reception will be held at Capron Ridge Community Center, 1187 Ballinton Dr., Melbourne, Florida, on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jackie Fieseler Scholarship #8537 and sent to: P.E.O Executive Office Treasurer’s Department 3700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50312 or https://peo-portal.com/donations