Mary Jane Miga, (nee Malinowski)

Mary Jane, lovingly named “Nonie” by her grandchildren, was a beloved mother, grand-mother, and great-grand-mother. She will be missed by all who knew her as a source of love and laughter.

Mary Jane was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Oct. 4, 1937, the only daughter of Edward and Mary (nee Sitarski) Malinowski of Buffalo. She was raised in Buffalo, N.Y., where her parents operated Mary’s Grill, a tavern located on Broadway near its intersection with Bailey Avenue, as she attended Corpus Christi Grammar School, and then transferred to a city bus for the ride to Immaculata Academy, where her education blossomed and she graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1955. She attended SUNY Fredonia where she received a degree in education and received her masters in education from Buffalo State.

Upon her marriage in 1959 to the late Richard E. Miga of Dunkirk, she placed her degrees aside while raising her four children.

Mary Jane subsequently became a special education teacher and took pride in the work she did and the lives she touched. She spent the majority of her career at Silver Creek Central High School, but also served as remedial director for the Seneca Nation of Indians during this time.

Upon her retirement in 2004 after claiming that she “just wanted to sit and relax,” she undertook DIY home renovations and traveled with her family and friends often, including trips to Hawaii, Europe, and Alaska, among many others. She also loved reading, crafting, cooking, eating, seeing movies, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends.

She was a devoted fan of her grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event, play, or school event. She had a zest for life that was contagious and a sense of humor that kept everyone laughing until the end. Mary Jane was a devoted member of the Catholic Church where she also served as a eucharistic minister, and religious education teacher, as well as serving as a camp counselor at summer Bible Camp. She also was a counselor at The Diocese of Buffalo Camp Turner in Allegany State Park, where her advancing age coined her the name “Ms. Mom.”

She is survived by her 4 children: Richard J. (Margaret) Miga, Tonawanda, N.Y., Dr. Daniel (Rhonda) Miga, Mesa, Ariz., Janis (Mike) Dinoto, Cassadaga, N.Y., and David (Amanda) Miga, Ashland, Ore.; five grandchildren: Corinne (CJ) Miosi, Kristin (Matt) Bishara, Robert (Tarynn Garnon) Ohl, Zachary Miga and Rachel Miga; and one great-grandchild: Capri Jane Miosi.

Nonie’s family will welcome friends and family on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 10 a.m. for a memorial Mass in her honor at St. Joseph’s Church at 145 Main St., Fredonia, NY 14063. Nonie left her family with countless happy memories, and a celebration of her life will be held at the time of her birthday later this year.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Autism Research Institute, the Alzheimer’s Association, or by doing something fearless for yourself in her honor.