BIDDEFORD — Mary Jane T. Dutremble, 64, of Biddeford, died Monday, March 9, 2015 at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford.

She was born Oct. 3, 1950 in Chicopee, Massachu-setts, the daughter of Adolf and Jane (Kolek) Szczur where she was raised with her two brothers. She graduated from Chicopee High School with the class of 1968 and immediately entered the work force.

Although her family was poor she often reminisced about the simple joys she had as a child in catching fireflies and watching them glow at night, the thrill of her father bringing a box of doughnuts home on pay day, and spending Sunday afternoons visiting with her Aunt Cioci where she learned to crochet.

At the age of 13 Mary Jane was devastated by the loss of her mother to breast cancer, yet she devoted the rest of her childhood to caring for her father and brothers by cooking the meals, tending to the house, and taking care of her little brother, Jimmy. Although she was not able to partake in activities as her peers, her love for her brothers surpassed anything she might have missed out on and she took great pride in what she was able to do for her family.

At the age of 18 she met her future husband, Richard R. Dutremble at the casino dance hall in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on a weekend trip with her friend. After engaging in a long distance relationship for three years they wed on June 10, 1972 at St. Anthony’s Church in Chicopee.

Five years later they welcomed their only daughter, Lori Jane (Dutremble) Bernard.

Mary Jane devoted her life to raising her daughter and caring for others through her many, kind acts. Due to her extreme compassion for others she was a natural giver, although much of it unknown to others because of her modesty. Her great love of her grandchildren was obvious in how she would light up with childlike enthusiasm when playing with them for countless hours on the floor or being sprayed with a hose in the warmth of summer. Mary Jane also loved to crochet and took much joy in making things for her family, specifically her daughter and two grandchildren, as well as donating handmade items for charity as a member of the Knitting Club at the Ross Center in Biddeford.

She will be greatly missed, but always remembered for the witty and humorous comments that made us laugh, her selfless acts of love, and the courage she showed while battling ongoing physical and emotional illness that was debilitating, at times.

She is survived by: her husband of 42 years, Richard Dutremble of Biddeford; one daughter, Lori Bernard and her husband David of Falmouth; two brothers, Daniel Szczur of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and James Szczur of Munson, Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Avah and Liam Bernard of Falmouth; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford.

In lieu of flowers, and at Mary Jane’s request, donations can be made in memory of her mother, Jane Kolek Szczur, to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, Inc., 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.

To share condolences on line please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.