1934-2026
Mary Jane Cardinal, 92, of West Mansfield, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026, following several months of failing health. She was born on June 22, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late William and Geneva (Axtell) Barber.
From her earliest years, Mary Jane’s life was imbued with devotion to family, faith, and community. As the heart of her home, Mary Jane was first and foremost a loving homemaker, creating a nurturing, welcoming environment for her husband Gene Cardinal and their children. Her unwavering support and gentle presence formed the foundation upon which generations of her family flourished.
Mary Jane’s creativity and industriousness were evident in her many hobbies. She was a skilled seamstress and quilter, filling her home and the homes of her loved ones with beautifully crafted pieces made with love. Gardening, baking, and canning were other passions; each season’s bounty was met with Mary Jane’s capable hands, ensuring that her pantry was always filled with homemade treats and preserves—tangible symbols of her care for those around her.
A woman of faith, Mary Jane was a longtime member of the Millcreek Church of Christ. Her commitment to her church family and her steadfast values quietly guided her actions; she touched many lives with her wisdom, generosity, and compassion.
Mary Jane’s greatest joy was her family, and her legacy lives on in all those she cherished. She is survived by her children, Ray Cardinal of Montgomery, TX, June Seymour and Mark Cardinal of West Mansfield, Gene (Monica) Cardinal of Charleston, SC and Mary (Matt) Smithey of Marysville; her grandchildren, Jenn (Tony) Morabito, Lauren (Joe) Wisner, Neal Seymour, Cat (Kris) Dozier, Nick Cardinal, Alec Marshall, Jessica (Jeremy) Cardinal, Lisa (Sean) Nelson, Spencer (Gabby) Cardinal, Taylor Smithey and Collin (Allison) Smithey; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Michael, Madeline, Gerald, James, Robert, and John; along with numerous nieces, nephews, church family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 56 years, Gene A. Cardinal, whom she married June 28, 1958; her parents, William and Geneva Barber; her brothers, Richard, Edward, Douglas, and William Barber; a grandson, Colin Marshall; and her son-in-law, John Seymour.
Services to celebrate Mary Jane's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Wilson Funeral Home, Mannasmith Chapel, 621 W. 5th St., Marysville. Pastor Alex Dye will officiate, and burial will follow at the Millcreek Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday beginning at 12:00 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com
