Obituary of Mary Jane Thurmond DeLauder

Mary Jane Thurmond DeLauder, Daughter of Marlin Howard Thurmond and Alberta Jane Johnson Of Indialantic, Florida, passed from this earth on June 15, 2019. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on April 26, 1944, she is survived by her husband, Richard, her brother, Lin, her sons: Braden (Beth), Michael (Luanne), David, her grandchildren, Jessica (Beau), Chris (Annie), Skylar, Cayden, and great grandchildren, Blakely and Charlotte. In addition to raising a lively and loving family, Mary Jane obtained her nursing degree, and worked at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Upon retiring with husband, Dick, they embarked on several cruises including a world cruise, which delighted her. “MJ” loved music and was an inquisitive nature buff. No creature too small or large escaped her interest. She was a champion and donor to small entrepreneurs with great ideas, and to many efforts to help our planet survive. She loved tracking the migration of the endangered whooping cranes, and Northern Right Whales, which she could spot off her oceanfront balcony. She was an avid bridge player, and both she and her husband helped the Wickham Senior Center to become a reality. Mary Jane was diagnosed with IBM “inclusion body myositis” twenty five years ago, and became a champion for all victims of this rare disease. She worked tirelessly to make information available and provide support through social media, and investigated and participated in clinical trials. Her courage and love extended to people all over the world. Her efforts were deeply appreciated by victims and their families, earning her the love and respect of so very many people. She fiercely loved her family and her devoted husband of 55 years, Dick. As one friend recently said, “their relationship defines what a loving marriage should be”. Through the many years of her progressive disease, they fought it together. Their courage radiated to all around them. She was a dear friend to many people, always compassionate and caring for them, as if they were part of her family. She never let her disease interfere with sharing joy, laughter and love with those around her. As was her wish, her family will celebrate her life privately. For all who wish to honor our courageous Mary Jane, please make a donation to The Myositis Association, 1940 Duke Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA, 22314. No flowers please.