Mary Jane Vasey

Mary Jane Vasey, age 83 of Cozad, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, May 16th, 2015, at Meadowlark Pointe. Mary Jane, daughter of Mac and Blandena (Johnson) Bovee, was born at Cozad, Nebraska, June 15, 1931. She attended Cozad City Schools graduating in 1949. Mary Jane enrolled at Monticello College in Alton, Illinois, a liberal arts women’s college and graduated from the school in 1951. Following graduation, Mary Jane lived in Lincoln, Omaha and Chicago while working for GMAC. One weekend, she came to Cozad for a football game and talked to the announcer in the press box, Bill Vasey. They had known each other throughout high school and their love for each other was celebrated on their wedding day, March 16, 1957 at the Cozad Methodist Church. To this union, three children were born: Douglas, Susan and Nancy. Bill and Mary Jane made their home on the farm east of Cozad for almost 58 years before moving to town the last few months. Mary Jane’s professional career began with her Radio Talk Show on KAMI-AM, Cozad. The name of her unique show was “Potluck”, with everyone making sure the dial was turned to this special program. After 10 years at KAMI, Mary Jane became a bus tour guide for Lincoln Tour and Travel. In 1987, Mary Jane became Executive Director of the Cozad Chamber of Commerce. She was also a Cozad Ambassador, with her dedication to the promotion of Cozad as her rich legacy. She continued this leadership role for the next 13 years. Her awards include Nebraska Flying Farmers Queen, International Flying Farmers Duchess, Admiral in the Nebraska Navy, Cozad Aviation Hall of Fame, the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Chamber of Commerce and the 2008 Farm Family of the Year. Mary Jane was also honored for her 37 years of service on the Cozad City Schools Foundation Board. As a pilot, she soloed in 1966 and also participated in Dual Cross Country flying. She was also involved in many athletic events including her membership in the Cozad Women’s Tennis team, as well as being an avid bowler and golfer. Noted for her musical talents, Mary Jane was Choir Director for over 25 years at the Church of Christ on Newell. Other interests included bridge, book club and memberships in Rotary International, Elks, and P.E.O., Chapter IB. She loved being a grandma and her dogs, and was a friend to everyone she met. Her infectious smile and one of a kind personality will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Susan. Survivors include her husband Bill of Cozad; sister Phyllis Bovee of Cozad; son Douglas (Sherry) Vasey of Nashville, TN; daughter Nancy (Chris) Henry of Cozad; son-in-law John Moore of Boise, ID; and grandchildren Brett Vasey of Nashville, TN; Matthew Henry of Lincoln, NE and Carly Henry of Crete, NE; Amanda Moore and Taylor Moore of Boise, ID. A memorial has been established in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Christ on Newell with Pastor James McCrickard officiating. Burial will be in the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 19th from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.