Mary Jane Calame

These few words can hardly do justice to the rich and exciting life of Mary Jane Calame, philanthropist, volunteer, teacher, beloved wife of 72 years and mother of 5, and grandmother of 14. Mary died peacefully in Salt Lake City February 7^th, 2015. 

Mary was born Christmas Eve 1920, in Des Moines, Iowa to Ila and Hugh Harter. She lived an idyllic life as a child, attended Iowa State University and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi fraternity. It was at ISU where Mary met and married the love of her life, Russ Calame. 

Like most in her generation Mary did her part supporting the war effort through work. Post war, as the wife of an upwardly mobile FBI agent, Mary was the rock of a growing family, managing children and household, and organizing the many new city transfers required by the FBI.  Mary bought and sold many a home, packed and unpacked many a box.

As Russ’s FBI responsibilities grew so did Mary’s, and she became his essential partner for the law enforcement public relations and social obligations that came with each position. Despite these demands Mary still made time to teach school, including assignments with special needs children. 

After retirement Mary traveled the world with Russ, and became involved and enjoyed a number of interests, including: golf at Hidden Valley, her investment club, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Town Club and Saturday Night Dance Club. Mary volunteered to be an official Winter Games Olympic Greeter and earned her official Olympic jacket. 

Giving back was important to Mary, and she was a lifelong Pi Beta Phi supporter, P.E.O. and Salt Lake Assistance League contributor. Mary was elected Salt Lake Assistance league chapter President then National Secretary and Board of Directors member. The Pi Phi’s honored Mary’s long years of service with the Order of the Golden Arrow. 

Mary’s extended family, life long friends, and all that love her know Mary had a wonderful life and made a difference in theirs. She left the world better than she found it. We will sorely miss her.

Our thanks go out to George and Frankie and all the folks at Sunrise for being so good to Mary. 

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on February 15^th at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East between 6-8pm. A special mass for Mary will be celebrated on February 16^th at 10am at Saint Ambrose’s Catholic Church, 2315 Redondo Ave.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Salt Lake Assistance League.