Mary Jane Laufenberg OBITUARY

Mary Jane (Brown) Laufenberg, 84, of Moraga, CA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 15, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer, with her husband Rich by her side. She brought immeasurable joy and light into the lives of many and will be greatly missed.Mary Jane was born on October 11, 1939 to Joe and Martha Mary (Gibbens) Brown in Duluth, Minnesota. She was blessed with two sisters, Susan and Nicki. Mary Jane attended high school in Robbinsdale, MN, graduated college from the University of Minnesota, and received her MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Her curiosity and love of learning soon brought her to Malaysia where she volunteered with the Peace Corps for two years. Upon her return from Malaysia, Mary Jane set out for Los Angeles where she began a successful career in customer service with Western Airlines and then Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco. Her compassionate and empathetic nature then led her to her final position as Managerial Director at DBM in Walnut Creek, CA where she assisted the unemployed with career change counseling. It was here that her life as a fiercely independent woman took a drastic turn when she found herself interviewing a potential DBM employee by the name of Rich Laufenberg. Mary Jane promptly hired Rich and their near 30-year relationship began. The two were married on April 27, 1996 and a bond based on love, faith, and loyalty was formed.The couple spent their married life together in Moraga, CA and were members of their beloved church, St. Columba Catholic Church of Oakland, where they found a community reflective of their deeply rooted principles of diversity and equality. Mary Jane’s heart was boundless when it came to helping others, including strangers in need that quickly became new friends. She volunteered with the Aphasia Center of California as Board Vice President, and was also a mentor to many in various support groups. Mary Jane loved all animals, big and small, and was devoted to her involvement with Guide Dogs for the Blind, through which she and Rich fostered their two breeder dogs Tulin and Fresca for 16 years, resulting in the birth of many guide dog puppies. Mary Jane also adored her beloved cat, Amy, who brought her great joy and companionship. Mary Jane loved people. She formed lifelong friendships with many, including seven women she affectionately referred to as her Seven Sisters. She loved being a grandmother to her five granddaughters. Some of her favorite activities included attending spiritual retreats, spending time at the beach in Half Moon Bay, and rooting on the 49ers and Warriors.As her health declined, she received constant love, support, and care from her husband Rich, wonderful caregiver and friend Eda, and dear friend Martha. Mary Jane will always be remembered with love and gratitude for the lives she touched. She is survived by her husband, Rich Laufenberg of Moraga, CA; sister, Nicki Pearson and her husband Greg of Evanston, IL; stepdaughter, Debbie (Laufenberg) Miller and her husband Eric of Danville, CA; stepson Steve Laufenberg and his wife Marnie of Bozeman, MT; and granddaughters Lea and Anneliese Miller and Ava, Tessa, and Josephine Laufenberg. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Martha Brown and sister, Susan Bennett.A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on July 12, 2024 at St. Columba Catholic Church in Oakland, Ca. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Jane’s memory can be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind.