Longtime Parishioner Mary Jane Temme Makes $1M Pledge to St. Gabriel
Largest Pledge in Recent Memory Helps Campaign and School
Mary Jane Temme, a longtime parishioner, volunteer and supporter of charities, has made a $1M pledge to St. Gabriel. Her gift will further Catholic education at St. Gabriel School: $750K will be allocated to the Building Bright Futures campaign where she will be the sponsor of the Mary Jane Temme Center for Innovative Learning (Gabriel House), and $250,000 will be directed to a scholarship fund for St. Gabriel school children.
“Mary Jane’s gift reflects the impact that St. Gabriel’s has had – and continues to have – upon its students and parishioners” said Fr. Thomas Molini, pastor.
Mary Jane was born in 1928 in St. Louis, the beloved daughter of Dr. Frank Temme, a dentist, and his wife Myrtle. The family first lived on Virginia Ave. before moving in 1936 to a new home on Delor St. in St. Louis Hills – steps from St. Gabriel the Archangel, where they soon became active parishioners.
Mary Jane began attending St. Gabriel School in fourth grade and graduated in 1942. She was a bright, curious student who especially loved geography and carries many happy memories of her school days and the friends she made there. Sister Albert was one of her favorite teachers. One of her fondest memories was building a snow pile on the playground with steps carved in the back so they could slide down – simple fun that still makes her smile today.
After grade school, her aunt, Sister Joan of the Notre Dame order, helped enroll her at Notre Dame High School. She was an excellent student and even helped start the school’s very first chemistry class at a time when chemistry wasn’t taught to young women. Her dream was to study chemistry at Saint Louis University and go into research.
Sadly, just two weeks before graduation, her mother passed away from cancer. In a selfless act of love, Mary Jane chose to stay home to care for her father instead of going to college. That decision – rooted in compassion and quiet strength – set the tone for a lifetime of service.
She went on to lead Girl Scout troops at St. Gabriel, serve as District Girl Scout Cookie Administrator for five years, became a key leader of St. Gabriel’s Crafters (particularly helping run their annual booth at the School Picnic), volunteer at the St. Louis Science Center for 15 years, teach swimming and lifesaving at the YMCA for 20 years, and later give another decade of service at Laclede Groves Senior Center. “Mary Jane was an amazing volunteer for the St. Gabriel Crafters”, said St. Gabriel parishioner, Marilyn Rengel. “She was always ready to take on any challenge, particularly at our School Picnic booth. She was amazing!”
After her father passed away when she was 40, Mary Jane continued to live independently – as she’s done for more than 60 years and still does today – at 97 years old.
A careful saver, Mary Jane managed and reinvested what her father left her, growing it steadily over the decades. Her quiet discipline and generous spirit have allowed her to support St. Gabriel and many Catholic schools and organizations that mean so much to her. “Work hard at the things you’re good at. Don’t waste time on what doesn’t matter. Help others whenever you can. And never complain about life’s hardships” Mary Jane said.
Still a St. Gabriel parishioner, Mary Jane lives independently at Laclede Groves in Webster Groves. She tends to her balcony garden, plays shuffleboard, and enjoys visits from family and friends. Her life remains a beautiful example of faith, dedication, and quiet strength—a true reflection of a life well lived.