Born in St. Rose, Illinois, Sister Mary Jane taught primary grades for two years at St. Bruno School in Pinckneyville, Illinois, before pursuing a degree and ministry in radiologic technology. She earned a bachelor of science degree in radiologic technology in 1960 from Saint Louis University and later received various related certificates in the field.

Sister Mary Jane was radiology supervisor at St. Vincent (now Taylorville) Memorial Hospital in Taylorville, Illinois. For almost 30 years, she served at St. Clement (now Red Bud Regional) Hospital in Red Bud, Illinois, in radiology as diagnostic imaging director, and clinical instructor for students in radiology from Belleville Area College, now Southwestern Illinois College, whose classes were held at St. Clement.

Her final ministry in the field was at St. John Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis in CT imaging and biopsy technology.

Sister Mary Jane was also an accomplished photographer of nature scenes. She indulged her passion at photography workshops at Acadia and Yellowstone national parks and at a ranch in Wyoming.

Sister Mary Jane retired from active ministry to the Ruma Center in 2013.

Survivors include her sisters, Anna Kampwerth and Victoria Book, and her brother, Linus Schrage.

Burial was to be Sept. 23 in the Ruma Center cemetery. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date at the Ruma Center for family and friends.