Mary Jane "MJ" Bair

Mary Jane Bair, age 81 of St. Peter and formerly of Mankato and Florida, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2022 at Ecumen Prairie Hill in St. Peter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pioneer Power, Le Sueur MN, where MJ enjoyed spending time, on Thursday May 25, 2023. More information will be shared as we get closer to that date. MJ’s final resting place will be at the shack in Battle Lake, where she spent many memorable Memorial Day weekends.

Mary Jane Benedict was born November 15, 1941 in Waseca, MN to Paige M. and Ethel M. (Blasing) Benedict. After high school, she worked several jobs, most notably as an administrative assistant at Minnesota State in Mankato for 27 years, as well as selling Avon and Watkins during that time. MJ enjoyed reading, cooking, singing along with John Denver, and spending time with friends and family on Lake Francis. She spent time living in FL near her daughter Kelly, and could often be found enjoying the outdoors and in the pool.  

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Sue (John) Braam, Jon (Helen) Bair, and Kelly Bair; grandchildren: Joe (Abby) Origas, Megan (Derek) Benson, Maria, Mitchell, and Teresa Bair; four great grandchildren; brother-in-law Duane LeBrun; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Dale (Deita) Benedict, Eva (Tom) Hughes, Vivian LeBrun.