Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Mary Jane Brock, of Gretna, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 at the age of 74. She died peacefully surrounded by the love and comfort of beloved family. “Janie,” as she was known to countless friends and family, was born on Dec. 30, 1947, to Oliver E. and Vivian Brock (nee Brechtel) in Bogalusa. She was raised in a loving home as the second of two children. Janie graduated from Dominican High School in New Orleans. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Dominican College.

Janie spent her entire 40-plus year career as a schoolteacher and tutor in the New Orleans area, starting with St. Joseph Catholic School and concluding her service at St. Cletus Catholic School. Her focus was on middle-school-aged children in the subjects of mathematics and science. During those many years of service, she worked tirelessly towards the success and achievements of her students. Janie relished the opportunity to cross paths with former students, young and old alike, sharing fond memories from school years past and getting caught up on their lives and accomplishments. This brought her great joy and satisfaction.

She had abundant extended family, all of whom loved her dearly. She reflected that love back over the course of time as an eager participant in holiday gatherings, children’s birthday parties, and other similar opportunities for the many years that she could travel. In addition, she proudly served as a vocalist and cantor as a member of the music ministry at St. Cletus Catholic Church.

Janie is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver E. and Vivian Brock. Janie is survived by her sister, Judy Brock Morris of Longview, Texas; nephew, Jules (Jay) Morris Jr. and wife Cadence Morris of Cypress, Texas; nephew, Brock Morris and wife Terry Morris of Sugar Land, Texas; nephew, Mark Morris and wife Rebecca Morris of Austin, Texas; niece, Anne Kent and husband Chris Kent of Tyler, Texas; and niece, Amy Morris of Round Rock, Texas. She is also survived by numerous cousins, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, including Elaine Ford of Metairie, Mary Reilly of Besthesda, Md., Madeleine Morris of Christchurch, New Zealand, Amelia Morris of Midland, Texas, Blaine Morris of Sugar Land, Carter Morris of Cypress, Kelsey Morris of Sugar Land, Lindsey Morris of Williamsburg, Va., Tyler Morris of Houston, Texas, Claudia Morris of Austin, Texas, Charles Morris of Austin, Sarah Schmitt of Flint, Texas, Emily Kent of Fort Collins, Colo., Annabel Thornhill of Round Rock, and Vivianne Thornhill of Round Rock.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and providers at Ochsner Hospital West Bank, particularly those in the Intensive Care Unit. Additionally, they are especially grateful to both Ms. Lolita Guyllette and to Mr. Barry Bouvier, friends to Janie over many years who provided special care and compassion at a time when she needed it most. And to family member Dr. Doug Campbell, who was an invaluable resource over the most recent months.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at St. Cletus Catholic Church, located at 3600 Claire Ave. in Gretna, at 11 a.m. The visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment immediately followed the Funeral Mass at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa.

In lieu of flowers, and for those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Cletus Catholic Church and School in Gretna.