Mary Jane (McAuliffe) Songer

Mary Jane Songer (McAuliffe) passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Mary Jane was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on November 5, 1933 to John Francis McAuliffe and Mary Angela McAuliffe (Taylor) and grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts. She graduated from St. Peter’s Elementary School in Cambridge (1947), where her daughter, Julie, currently teaches Kindergarten. Mary Jane next attended Boston Academy of the Notre Dame (1951) on a full merit scholarship and excelled on the National Latin Exam. Mary Jane received a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College (1955) and a masters degree in education from Tufts University (1961).

Mary Jane began her teaching career as a second grade teacher in Avon, Connecticut (1955-1957). She continued teaching second grade at both the Harvey Wheeler and Willard public elementary schools in Concord, Massachusetts (1957-1963) where she was recognized for her outstanding service in 1962. After teaching first grade in Framingham, Massachusetts (1965), she paused her career to adopt and raise four children. Mary Jane returned to the classroom as an early childhood teacher’s aide (1986-1988) before completing her career as a kindergarten teacher at St. John the Evangelist School in Wellesley, Massachusetts (1989-2002).

Mary Jane’s volunteer service centered around her children and her faith. When her daughters attended Beethoven (now Zervas) School in Waban, she was a member of the Parent Teacher Association (1975-1978), the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Coordinator (1975-1976), and the Health and Safety Chairperson (1977-1978). Mary Jane also served on the St. Philip Neri Parish Religious Education Commission (1975-1977). When her children began attending St. John the Evangelist School in Wellesley, she served as the book sale coordinator (1979-1986), edited the school newsletter (1980-1981), and served as a playground volunteer aide (1984-1986). When her daughters attended Mount Alvernia Academy and High School, Mary Jane served as a board member and secretary of the Mount Alvernia Club (1981-1985). Mary Jane sang as a member of the St. John the Evangelist Church Choir for over twenty years. She was an active member of Voice of the Faithful.

On February 15, 2024, Mary Jane was predeceased by her husband of over 62 years, Lewis Burke Songer, who she married at St. Joseph’s Church in Belmont, Massachusetts on July 22, 1961. Mary Jane is survived by her children Julie Songer, Eileen Songer McCarthy, Tim Songer and Dan Songer, her son-in-law Dan McCarthy, her grandson Daniel McCarthy and his wife Claudia-Liss Schultz, her granddaughter Hope McCarthy and her husband Mike Ciardelli, and her granddaughter Mia Songer. Mary Jane is also survived by her sister Martha Johnson and fifteen nieces and nephews. Mary Jane was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Jack McAuliffe and Jerome McAuliffe.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley, MA. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m.

Those wishing to view the broadcast of Mary Jane's Mass please use this link: https://sjspwellesley.org/sj/live/

Memorial contributions for Mary Jane Songer, a member of the Class of 1947, can be made to St. Peter's School Online or by mail to 96 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.