Mary Jane (MJ) Fischer of Flourtown passed away on June 13, 2022. Born July 24, 1947, MJ was the daughter of Adelbert and Mary (nee Rasmussen) Fischer. MJ was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield.
She was a graduate of Germantown Friends School, and a 1969 graduate of Wilson College in Chambersburg with a major in Economics. She held an MS in Management and an MS in Financial Services, along with her CLU designation, from The American College in Bryn Mawr. MJ spent much of her working career in the insurance industry, with Sedgwick Noble Lowndes, Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company, Prudential Insurance, and CIGNA.
MJ was truly a world traveler, visiting all continents save for Australia. She enjoyed learning about new places all around the United States, plus stops in Europe, Africa, China, India, even Antarctica. She made many new friends on her various adventures.
MJ enjoyed and supported many cultural, environmental, and educational organizations in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond. She loved the Philadelphia Orchestra and their various programs. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Royal Oak Foundation (UK), the Morris Arboretum, Briar Bush Nature Center, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Wyncote Audubon Society, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Sierra Club, and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology all benefitted from MJ’s wide-ranging interests. MJ was a life-long learner and appreciated the events of these organizations and others. She continued to support and attend activities at Wilson College; she served as copyeditor for all printed material for her 50th class reunion. MJ served as president of the local Friends of Hope Lodge at Hope Lodge historic site and was active on their Garden Committee for many years. She was a long-time member and active with the American Association of University Women.
MJ was a devoted international folk dancer, usually dancing twice a week. If she was sitting out a dance, she was never alone—other dancers gravitated to her for good company and conversation. Some of her fellow dancers were also fellow vacation travelers.
MJ continued in her father’s footsteps as a faithful supporter of Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia. As an avid reader, MJ belonged to a number of book discussion groups associated with area libraries and with the American Association of University Women. She was active with the Kuvasz Club of America, and a number of her adopted dogs were rescues through that organization.
MJ was always a good and loyal friend and a great resource, ever helpful. Her sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her. Her willingness to learn new things and have new adventures kept her vital throughout her life.
There will be no memorial service or other funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in MJ’s name to Wilson College, to the Philadelphia Orchestra, or to Shriners Hospital (Philadelphia Unit).
