- Date Of Birth: November 4, 1940
- Date Of Death: October 17, 2019
- State: Illinois
Mary Jane Damotte, 78, of rural Virginia, IL passed away Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia. She was born November 4, 1940, in Jacksonville, the daughter of Fred and Neva (Pettit) Gilbert. She married Earl Thomas Damotte on October 4, 1959, in Ashland and he survives.
She is also survived by three sons, Brian Thomas Damotte (Linda) of rural Virginia, James Richard “Duke” Damotte (Cheryl) of rural Ashland, and Donald Ray Damotte (Lucrecia Martinez) of Canjilon, New Mexico; three grandsons, Zach Henson, Jeff Damotte, and Joshua Damotte; and four great-grandchildren, Abbie and Gabe Henson and Jeffrey and Hunter Damotte.
Mary Jane was raised on the family farm that was pioneered by her great grandparents, Vachel and Nellie Masten Gilbert, in 1853. She graduated from Virginia High School and worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in several departments at the Cass County Courthouse. She later served several years as a paramedic with MECCA Ambulance. The role she most valued was being a mother to her three sons. After residing in California for several years, she returned to the family farm in Cass County.
She was a member of St. Luke Parish and served on several church committees. She also served on the Garner Chapel Cemetery Board. Mary Jane loved to spend time sewing, needleworking, quilting, and enjoying time with her family and friends.
