Mary Jane Brett

Mary Jane Brett, 92, of Mt. Airy, Maryland passed peacefully on August 14, 2026. She was from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of 11 children born to the late Lawrence and Amelia (Bauch) Schuster.

She was employed by the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn until the family transferred to Frankfurt, Germany, where she worked with the Department of the Army.

Always seeking new activities, Mary Jane enjoyed European travel, quilting, bowling, swimming, oil and decorative painting, and baking. Her kitchen cookie jar was the first stop for many a family member. She had a beautiful singing voice, was a member of the Sweet Adeline’s in Milwaukee, and sang in her church choir.

Committed to community, Mary Jane was a life member of the auxiliaries of the American Legion Gold Star Post 191 and of VFW Counties Four Post 10076, Mount Airy. She served in numerous capacities at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Poplar Springs, which included President of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary 10026 for four terms. For her involvement and dedication, she was awarded the Archdiocesan “Medal of Honor” by Bishop Francisloli.

She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Arthur Brett, and by eight of her brothers and sisters.

Surviving are her daughters Mary Bare of North Carolina (husband Roger), Jean Vaccarino of New Windsor, Michelle Digesare of New York, grandchildren Brian O’Neil, Jaime (Emery) Lucier, Christina (Bryan) Pritchett, Samantha (Austin) Lowe, Amy (Beau) Horning, Michael (Erin) Vaccarino, Angela (Dusty) Durr, Katherine (Joe) Malzahn, Kellie (Jason) Koster, Suzanne (Christopher) Milligan, 23 great-grandchildren, multiple nieces and nephews, and dear friend and spiritual advisor, Father Kurt Klismett.

Mary Jane will most be remembered for her faith, true love of life, and love and devotion to family.

Visitation with the family will be held from 1–3 p.m. and from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, at Burrier-Queen Funeral Home and Crematory located at 1212 W Old Liberty Rd., Sykesville, MD. On Friday, August 21, Mass will be offered at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church (in the gym due to construction) at 1125 St. Michael’s Rd., Mount Airy, MD, with interment at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Mount Airy, and gathering back at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Sisters of Bon Secours, 1525 Marriottsville Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104, or to: The Trinitarians, PO Box 828, Sykesville, MD 21784.

Online condolences at www.Burrier-Queen.com.