Wickham, Mary Jane

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away on Thursday, October 27,2022 in Denver, Colorado at the age of 88. Mary was born on November 18,1933 in Streator, Illinois. She was the youngest of three children born to Zelma and Willard Savage. Mary developed a love of dancing and music as a young girl that lasted a lifetime.

Mary graduated from Streator High School in 1951 and went on to attend Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. While attending St. Mary’s, she met and married the love of her life, Robert E. Wickham on June 28, 1952. They were married for 58 years. Mary and Bob moved to Danville, IL and later to Saginaw, MI. They were active members of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Together, they enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, spending summers at their cottage on Higgins Lake, and escaping to Panama City, FL for a few months each winter.

When her five children were all of school age, Mary began her career as a secretary for Saginaw Township Schools at the middle and high school levels. She retired as a high school secretary in 1994 after 27 years of service. Over the years, Mary positively impacted many children, and will be fondly remembered.

Surviving are Mary Jane’s five children: Bob (Cindy) Wickham, Ed (Kate) Wickham, Jim (Jodi) Wickham, Susan Wickham, and Mark Wickham; nine grandchildren, Kelly (David) Drake, Jeff (Alaine) Wickham, Tyler Ervin, Emily (Phillip) Tulgestka, Ben Ervin, Molly (Caleb) Meute, Max Wickham, Sofie Wickham, and Sam Wickham; eight great grandchildren Oliver, Althea, and Howard Drake, Alden Wickham, Hendrick, Maren, and Briar Tulgestka, and Gideon Meute; sister-in-laws Diane Wickham, Carol Koenig, and Linda Savage; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband Robert Wickham; parents Zelma and Willard Savage; brothers Willard Savage and Robert Savage; and sisters-in-law Ginger Merdian, Judy Wickham, and Mary Lou Savage.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held in Streator, IL.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are invited to Share a Memory at kramerfuneral.com or may wish to consider a memorial to: Gateway Hospice, 2696 S. Colorado Blvd. #570, Denver, Colorado 80222 or Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 13120 E. Kentucky Ave., Aurora, Colorado. 80012