Mary Jane Bleau a resident of the Martin Luther Home, formerly of 59 Utica Street, Clinton, NY passed away Saturday, May 2, 2009. Mary Jane was born in Utica on June 23, 1920, the daughter of Clarence Edward and Grace Catherine (Boyd) Space. She was raised and educated locally, graduating from Clinton Central High School and Syracuse University, and later attended graduate school at Columbia University, NY. Mary Jane became a language teacher, teaching English, French, and Spanish, in the New Hartford school system until her retirement in 1974. She later worked as a substitute teacher in the Utica school system. On April 10, 1943, Mary Jane married Kenneth B. Bleau in New Hartford. In 1945, Mr. Bleau was killed in action while serving during World War II. Mary Jane was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, of the American Association of University Women, a Syracuse University Alumni, a founding member of the Kirkland Art Center, and a member and past president of Save the Children Federation. She was a member of St. Mary's Church, Clinton. Mary Jane is survived by her daughter, Kendaly Barbara Shimer, Hollywood, CA, and by her cousin, Mary Lenhardt, Clinton. Besides her husband, she is predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Grace Space. Mrs. Bleau's funeral will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Church, Clinton, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton. Relatives and friends may call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row Clinton, NY on Friday evening, from 4 - 6 pm. The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Lutheran Care Homes for the excellent care and compassion given to Mary Jane during her stay.