Mary Jane Ornelas

Mary Jane (Eggebrecht) Ornelas

Birch Run, MI

(formerly of Marion Springs, MI and Southern CA)

Beloved wife, sister, aunt and friend, Mary Jane, age 59, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 18, 2023 at Covenant Cooper Medical Center in Saginaw, MI after a long illness.

The daughter of the late William Eggebrecht and Beatrice (Hodges) Eggebrecht, Mary Jane was born on April 24, 1964 in Saginaw, MI. She graduated from Merrill High School, the Class of 1982. Mary Jane married Orlando Ornelas on December 18, 1989 in Vista, CA. They recently celebrated 33 years of marriage. Mary Jane spent many years successfully managing large apartment complexes. Her employees and residents enjoyed her quick wit, boisterous laugh, and friendly spirit. She also had a big heart for cats, adopting and loving many over the years. Jack, Godiva and Earl Grey survive her.

Surviving are her husband, Orlando, siblings: Linda (Eggebrecht) Hodges, Margaret (Daniel) Witt, Robert (Carol) Eggebrecht, and John (Terri) Eggebrecht, mother-in-law: Elida Ornelas, brothers-in-law: Hector (Diana) Ornelas and Rudy Ornelas, sisters-in-law: Tracy Eggebrecht, Marlisa (Steve) Brindley and Florinda (Robert) Clark, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Thomas Eggebrecht, a nephew Erik Hodges, and a niece Katie (Eggebrecht) Wildman.

Mary Jane didn’t have children of her own, so she thought of her nieces and nephews as her kids. She was fiercely protective of her loved ones and always found a reason to laugh. Even in difficult circumstances, she kept a cheerful spirit. She had a big personality, and we can’t quite fathom that she could really be gone. Our hearts are broken, but we’re so glad to know she’s at peace in her heavenly home…and we look forward to the day we get to see her again.

A private memorial for close family is being planned at a later date, according to Mary Jane’s wishes. Burial following cremation will take place at Brant Township Cemetery in Brant, MI. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Dalis to the Rescue Pet Adoption Service in Alma, MI or to the Wishes of the Family.