Mary Jane Albright

Mary Jane (Graff) Albright, 94, of Winter Haven, FL formerly of Blairsville, PA passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 in Haines City Care Center, Haines City, FL.

The daughter of Henry I. and Edith M. (McKelvey) Graff, she was born November 2, 1923 on the family farm in Black Lick. It was there that she developed her lifelong love of animals. As she grew, she knew farm life was not for her and she channeled her compassion for others into a nursing career.

She graduated from Blairsville High School in 1939, from Allegheny Hospital School of Nursing in 1943 and also received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at Torrance State Hospital, she also worked for Dr. Buchman and later in the infirmary at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  When she moved to Florida, she worked as a nurse at Winter Haven Hospital and then taught nursing at Polk Community College (now known as Polk State College).

She was of the Christian faith and was a former member of the Black Lick United Methodist Church and later of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church, Winter Haven, FL.

Mary Jane's loves and interests included growing house plants particularly African violets and cactus while living in Pennsylvania and orchids after she moved to Florida, her card club while living on May Street, swimming, garage sales, flea market shopping, reading, jewelry making and traveling.   A favorite trip was to Branson, MO to hear her beloved country music. She enjoyed spending time with family.

Surviving are two sons, James R. Albright (Concha) of Seville, Spain and Terry A. Albright of Pittsburgh; daughter, Anita A. Millen (Robert) of Winter Haven, FL; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Marjorie Albright of Lakeland, FL; several nieces and nephews and the family of caregivers at Cornerstone Hospice and Haines City Health Center that came to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Alva A. Albright, son, Larry who lovingly cared for his mother in his home 3 1/2 years prior to his death and a brother, John M. Graff.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 P.M., Friday, August 3, at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA . A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Dan Cunkelman officiating.

Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.