Mary Jane Myrna

Mary Jane Myrna, 89, formally from Carmi, Illinois, passed away on February 13, 2021 at her home in Newburgh, Indiana. She was born in Washington, D.C. on September 26, 1931, the daughter of William H. and Louise E. DuPar.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 62 years, Dr. Charles W. Myrna D.D.S., her brother and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Farr, Arlington, VA.  Her Catholic faith was deeply important to her and sustained her throughout her life.  She was an active member of St. Polycarp Catholic Church and served on the Ladies Guild for many years.

Mary Jane moved with her parents throughout her childhood, living in Chicago, IL, Fort Custer, MI and Atlanta, GA, due to her father’s federal service career as a mechanical engineer for the United States Government, Department of the Navy, beginning in Washington, D.C.  It was during their time in Atlanta, she was fortunate to attend high school at Sacred Heart, graduating as valedictorian. She stayed in Atlanta to attend Emory University, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science  from the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse.  In the Spring of 1953 during her last clinical rotation at St. Louis University, she met the love of her life, Chuck Myrna, where he was completing dental school.  They married on October 31,1953 in Brunswick, GA and moved to Carmi, IL.

As a young couple in a new town, they made life long friendships while she began her career as a private duty nurse.  Her care and compassion for others made her an amazing wife, mother and friend, in addition to being an active member in her community.  Mary Jane’s love of reading led her to serve on the Carmi Library Board of Directors for more than 30 years, including roles as President, Vice President and Treasurer.  She was instrumental in the relocation project from the Carnegie Library Building to the new expanded facility that serves the community today.  She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Carmi Chapter, for 40 years.  Following the passing of her mother in 1983, she managed her husband’s dental practice full time.  Although she intended for it to be temporary, she stayed until his retirement in 1998, after his 45 dedicated years.  Their patients and associates brought them both much joy.  They shared a love of the ocean with their daughters, taking annual vacations to the beach.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carol L. Myrna Meyers of Evansville, IN, Nancy M. Given, and son-in-law, John R. Given of Newburgh,IN, in addition to nieces and nephews of the Myrna and Farr families.

Due to the Covid pandemic, a private Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life was held on February 19, 2021 with the Reverend Vincent J. Obi officiating and burial in St. Polycarp Catholic Cemetery, Carmi, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Polycarp Catholic Church, 209 S. Fourth Street, Carmi, IL 62821, the Carmi Public Library, 103 Slocumb Street, Carmi, IL 62821or the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322.