Mary Jane Leyden

Mary Jane Leyden, 86, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Park Place Elder Care.Visitation will be held on Monday, March 7th, beginning after 12 noon, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., that evening, at the Memorial Chapel, after which the family will receive friends. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 8th, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, with The Reverend Joseph Phung, celebrant. Burial will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Memorials have been established to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or to a charity of the donors choice. On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com. Born February 5, 1930, in Mt. Pleasant, Mary Jane was the daughter of William Theodore and Jennie Frances (McWilliams) Bruggemeyer. She was a 1947 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. Following high school Mary Jane attended Iowa Wesleyan College, because she was too young to begin nurses training. She took her nurses training at Mercy Hospital in Burlington, IA, and graduated as a registered nurse from Mercys Diploma Program. On January 3, 1954, Mary Jane married Billy Laverne Leyden who preceded her in death. For well over four decades Mary Jane worked at Henry County Hospital, known today as Henry County Health Center. She delivered many babies and was the head of several departments throughout her career. She was a mentor and teacher to many young nurses starting their careers. Mary Jane was a recognized face throughout the community as a caregiver and comforter to numerous patients and their families. She was instrumental in establishing the Henry County Nurses Association semi-annual luncheon. Mary Jane was incredibly proud that all three of her daughters followed in her path and became nurses. Mrs. Leyden kept busy creating more than 30 double wedding ring quilts for family and friends. Although she was an accomplished quilter and seamstress, she was always happy to do mending, alterations, blue jean quilt throws (from recycled jeans), and t-shirt quilts for her family. For many years she regularly quilted with a group of Catholic women from the Houghton-West Point area. She was proud to have a double wedding barn quilt. She regularly baked cookies and pies for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she shared with them when they came to visit, which was a special time for her. Mary Jane found pleasure in raising cattle on her farm and looked forward to the new calves each spring. Her herd continues on with the support of family and friends. In her later life, she rescued a number of cats and dogs. A life-long member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Mary Jane helped establish a quilting group that made quilts, as a fundraiser, for the churchs annual fall festival. She was instrumental in starting a monthly widows luncheon through the church, as well. She was a member of the Alter and Rosary Society of St. Alphonsus.Mrs. Leyden is survived by three daughters, Sheila (Randy) Kerr-Hunter of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Sandra Leyden of San Diego, CA, and Jane (Greg) Lorber of New London, IA; twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.Along with her husband, Mrs. Leyden was preceded in death by parents, and two brothers, Charles Bruggemeyer and Ralph Bruggemeyer. Cemetery Details St. Alphonsus Cemetery AK, Visitation MAR 7. 12:00 PM - 07:30 PM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com Rosary MAR 7. 06:00 PM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com Family will be present MAR 7. 06:15 PM - 07:30 PM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com Funeral Mass MAR 8. 10:30 AM St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 607 South Jackson Street Mt. Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 http://stalphonsus.weconnect.com