HIGHMORE, SD – Mary Jane Gadd, 92 years, 7 months, and 1 day, of Highmore, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Highmore Health.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Church of Christ in Highmore. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Highmore Cemetery.

Mary Jane Kopecky was born June 4, 1932, in Mrs. Sammons Home in Highmore to William and Mayme (Bouzek) Kopecky. She grew up in northern Hyde County, attended Eden Rural School, and graduated from Highmore High School in 1950.

She married Gordon Errett Gadd on June 10, 1951, and to this union were born three children: Pam, Steve, and David.

She loved the outdoors; she would be found tending to her massive garden and her exquisite hollyhocks, which seemed to belong in a greenhouse. She had a deep appreciation for nature and provided the weather was just right and a passion for cooking and baking that warmed the hearts and stomachs of everyone around her. Her home cooked meals and baked treats were legendary, a true testament to her care and devotion to her family.

She started working for the Highmore Nursing Home in 1976. She dedicated her career to helping others with compassion and grace. Her devotion to serve extended beyond her professional life, she was a devoted Christian who lived her faith through acts of kindness and generosity, always striving to make the world a better place.

Mary Jane had a zest for life that shone through in everything she did. She loved bowling, traveling, and embarking on cruises and adventures. Her infectious smile could light up any room, offering comfort and joy to all who crossed her path. Known for her signature style, Mary Jane’s red lipstick, nails, and sneakers were a perfect reflection of her vibrant personality and love for the color red.

Mary Jane cherished her Bohemian heritage and occasionally shared a colorful phrase in her native tongue. She carried herself with grace and a sense of humor, always speaking her truth with warmth and wisdom.

Mary Jane’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Survivors include: one daughter, Pam and Bob Bawdon, and their children Kristen, Jordan, and Jayme; two sons Steve Gadd and David and Angie Gadd; and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon Jap Gadd; her brother, Gordon; her niece, Bonnie Wilson; and nephews: Smoke Kopecky and Ronnie Bill Kopecky

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Mary Jane’s arrangements.

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