Jane Pappas Ray

Jane Marie Pappas Ray, age 49, of North Mankato, died Sunday, November 19, at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, Minneapolis, following a bone marrow transplant. Jane was surrounded by her beloved family at the time of her death and constantly during her recent, lengthy hospitalizations.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 24, 2006 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Mankato. A memorial visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, November 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before the service at church on Friday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Jane Pappas Ray Childrens Fund to be established at Jefferson School to assist children in need. Remembrances may be sent to Jefferson School, 100 James Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001.

Jane was born on July 19, 1957 in Rochester, MN to James M. and Alice (Barrett) Pappas. She graduated from John Marshall High School. She received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN. She was married to Steven Ray on August 20, 1994 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Mankato.

Jane was a teacher in Mankato for Independent School District 77 for more than 30 years. Always the willing volunteer, she was an active staff participant in District organizations such as diversity committee, language arts committee, and the Educare Foundation. She also served students at Jefferson Elementary as Science Fair coordinator, site team member, and Spanish grant participant. Each holiday season she gathered gifts, clothing, and food for students in need as a way to show her students and others a caring, loving way to help make the world a better place.

Survivors include her husband, Steve; her son, Charles Eppard both of North Mankato; three brothers and their spouses, Jay Pappas (Becky Collin) of Mankato, Michael Pappas (Carolina) of Rochester and Charles Pappas (Julie) of Minneapolis; two sisters, Mary Alice Pappas of West Palm Beach, FL and Susan Pappas Varco (Robert Varco) of Anoka; Pappas family nieces and nephews, James and Jay Pappas, Megan Miranda, Barrett Pappas, Justin Johnson, Allison, Lauren, Alyssa, and Michael Pappas, Elizabeth Varco. Cherished dachshund, Java Love, also survives.

The Ray Family includes Steves mother, Polly Ray; brothers Tim Ray (Susan), Tom Ray (Jill), Rob Ray (Sandy); and sister, Mary Jo Brindley (John). Nieces and nephews are Jackson, Brogan, Rhiannon, Ben, Dane and Ivy Ray, and Hunter and Halle Brindley.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, James M. and Alice Pappas.