Mary Jane Quass

Mary Jane Quass (Clements) of Green Bay passed away on July 9, 2025 after a long and valiant battle with cancer — a fight she met with grit, grace, and just the right amount of stubbornness. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. Known for her warm heart, creative spirit, and fierce love for her family and community, she made life brighter (and a little funnier) for everyone around her.

Born on May 8, 1957, in Hancock, MI, to Edward and Harriet (Salvador) Clements, she would call L’Anse, MI home during her younger years. There, she quickly mastered the art of cooking from her loving parents and grandparents — and probably made it look easier than it actually was. She graduated from L’Anse High School in 1975 and moved to Green Bay to attend the Wisconsin College of Cosmetology, where she became a talented hairdresser to many of the city’s residents. Over the years, she worked in a number of salons — always with a smile, a pair of shears, and a sharp sense of humor.

Mary Jane proudly modeled for many years with Elaine’s House of Brides (yes, really!) and was even featured in Glamour magazine after a haircut and photo shoot. She loved to remind people that yes, she had once been a cover girl — even if it was just for one issue, and she didn’t get to keep the dress.

In 1988, she met the love of her life, Jeff Quass, and the two were married on August 11, 1989, in Green Bay, WI. Together, they built a wonderful life filled with love, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother to Trevor (Grace) Quass, Payne Quass, Maia (Mike) Zimmerman, and Leila Quass — and was always ready with advice, a listening ear, or a lovingly sarcastic quip when needed. Her love for them was constant, fierce, and unconditional.

Mary Jane loved to travel, especially if it involved sunshine, good food, or a quilt shop along the way. She had a lifelong passion for sewing, quilting, and crafting — and her home was filled with beautiful creations, some of which her family is still trying to figure out how to fold properly. Her kitchen was her happy place, and she found real fulfillment in preparing meals that brought people together — whether they were hungry or not.

Besides her husband, Jeff, and their children she is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Barbara Clements, Edward (Ginger) Clements, Kate (Charles) Mott, and Libby (Curt) Hendricks, and by her extended family — including nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws — all of whom she held close to her heart.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her sisters, Bernardine Gawin (Clements) and Amy Clements. She carried their memory with her always — and passed along their best recipes, stories, and sass.

Family and friends may gather at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 3009 Bay Settlement Rd., Green Bay, on Monday July 14, 2025 from 9:00am to 10:15am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am with Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem officiating. The family invites all who knew and loved Mary Jane to come, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center and Aurora At Home Hospice for their compassionate care and support. You made a tough journey more bearable, and Mary Jane was endlessly grateful — even if she didn’t always show it with words (sometimes just a look).

Rest in peace, Mary Jane. Your love, laughter, and creativity live on in all of us. You will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and lovingly talked about — probably with a few sarcastic comments — for generations to come.