Mary Jane Knudson, age 73, of Carlisle, MA, passed away on January 20, 2026.

Born in Puyallup, WA on March 29, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Wilma (Ward) Knudson.

Mary Jane loved learning. After graduating from Puyallup High School in 1970, she went on to attend Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. She then received two Masters degrees, one in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Hamilton, MA and one in Education from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. At Harvard University she continued on in her studies to earn her PhD in Education in 1989.

Mary Jane carried her love of learning over into her professional career. She started in Management Education at Digital Equipment Corporation and held the position of Vice President of Human Resources at both Fidelity Investments and Oasis Corporation. Outside of work Mary Jane was passionately involved in her community. She was a former member and past President of the Human Leadership Research Forum (HRLF), a former deacon at her church (Trinitarian Congregational Church in Concord, MA), and a former member of National Charity League.

In her personal life Mary Jane was an avid reader, joining several book clubs, and relished the annual women's retreats she attended with her dear friends and members of her church. She enjoyed the arts, including broadway plays and local live musical productions, and cared deeply about making the world a kinder, more inclusive place. Her family remembers and cherishes her for the way she balanced the role of mother and wife with a demanding and challenging career.

Mary Jane leaves behind her husband Alan Merry of Carlisle, MA, her daughter Hannah Merry of Providence, RI, her daughter's fiancé Nathaniel Smith of Providence, RI, her sister and brother-in-law Trudy and Dave Macmillan of Walnut Creek, CA, her sister and brother-in-law Kelly Knudson and Don Kincl of Shelton, WA, and her nephews Jamie Macmillan of Walnut Creek, CA, Tyler Macmillan of Providence, RI, Alex Macmillan of San Francisco, CA, Drew Kincl of Camas, WA, Evan Kincl of Seattle, WA, and Seth Kincl of North Bend, WA, as well as their families. She also leaves behind her stepsons Scott Merry of Alpharetta, GA, Todd Merry of Peachtree Corners, GA, and sister-in-law Ethelyn Newton of Bradenton, FL, as well as their families. She was tremendously loved and will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial service on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord Center. A reception will immediately follow. A private interment will be held at Green Cemetery in Carlisle, MA. Please click here to access the church live stream, for those who wish to attend the service remotely.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary Jane's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.