Mary Jane Sawicki

Mary Jane (Tobisch) Sawicki, age 72, of Oshkosh, passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2026, leaving her family and all who loved her heartbroken.

Mary Jane was born on May 7, 1954, in Mellen, Wisconsin, to Florian and Anna Tobisch. Growing up in northern Wisconsin, she learned the value of hard work, family, and caring for what she had. As a child, she helped tend the family’s large garden, a love that stayed with her throughout her life.

Mary Jane came to Oshkosh in the early 1980s for a job in banking and eventually found herself living just two blocks away from her future husband, Bruce Sawicki. When the two met, they clicked right away and were married on September 13, 1986, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mellen, celebrating afterward with family and friends at the Mellen Rod & Gun Club.

Mary Jane and Bruce were looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this fall. Through nearly four decades of marriage, she remained a constant source of love, strength, and support. Together they built a life centered on family and, as Bruce would tell you, there was no greater blessing than the years they shared together and the family they built with their son, Kevin.

Her love for Bruce endured through thick and thin. She learned to enjoy westerns because Bruce loved them, supported his love of cars, and found joy in the simple things they shared together like going out for breakfast, treating themselves to a nice lunch at the Roxy, and walking through Menominee Park and Zoo to admire the flowers, gardens, and animals (no matter how old she got).

As a mother, Mary Jane was protective, dependable, thoughtful, and deeply loving. She made sure Kevin always had what he needed, whether it was school supplies, a ride to baseball, food packed for work, or simply someone to talk to. She cared about his wellbeing, worried when he worked too hard, and was always interested in what was happening in his life. One of her great joys was doing things together as a family, from local outings to trips to places like Yellowstone and Rapid City. She loved watching Kevin experience the world and found happiness in the things he loved.

Mary Jane had a tender heart and caring spirit. She was kind, thoughtful, thorough, protective of those she loved, and, as those who knew her best would lovingly admit, stubborn. She appreciated everything she had, cared for it well, and never took life’s blessings for granted. Whether it was a home, a garden, a family meal, or time spent together, she found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful.

She was happiest outside in the yard, tending to her flowers, landscaping, and garden. Even in the winter, she could often be found looking through gardening books and planning what would come next.

Mary Jane also loved the traditions of home and family. She decorated for every season, prepared full holiday meals, made sure Kevin had deviled eggs every Easter, and that the family enjoyed It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve. She loved Wisconsin sports, especially the Brewers and Packers. She also carried pieces of her northern roots with her, including the rolled cabbage “rolly pollies” that were served at her wedding and remembered fondly by family.

Those who loved Mary Jane will miss her smile, her laugh, her signature waves (she greeted Bruce and Kevin with their own special versions), and the way she always wanted to know how everyone was doing. Her love lives on in the family she cherished and in the countless ordinary moments she made meaningful.

Mary Jane is survived by her beloved husband, Bruce; her son, Kevin (Erin) Sawicki; her brothers, Florian “Flo” and Wayne; her sister, Lisa; along with extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florian and Anna; her sister Elizabeth “Beth”; and her brother, Greg.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (St. Peter’s Church), 435 High Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Mary Jane’s name.