Mary Jane Rehn

Mary Jane Rehn, 80, passed away on January 8, 2026. Born on May 10, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Mary lived a life rooted in family and defined by generosity and care. Friendly, kind, and always busy in the best of ways, she had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. Friends and neighbors knew they could count on her for a warm smile, a listening ear, and a practical word of comfort. Her steady presence and her favorite reminder—“It is what it is!”—reflected her resilience, grace, and wise acceptance of life’s twists and turns.

Mary’s happiest days were shaped by simple joys and sweeping horizons. She loved being on the water, finding both adventure and calm under open skies while sailing. Travel fed her curiosity and broadened the circle of people and places she held dear, while her garden at home became a sanctuary of color and quiet industry. She nurtured everything she touched—roses, friendships, and countless small moments that made a house feel like home. Her devotion to animals was a constant, and the four-legged companions who shared her days were as cherished as any family member. However she spent her time, Mary did it with purpose: tending, exploring, giving, and caring.

Above all, Mary treasured those she loved. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Douglas Grey, and by John Grey, who shared in many of her happiest moments. The rhythms of her life were punctuated by the companionship of her beloved pets—Sasha, Bullet, and Rowdy—whose joyful presence she delighted in. Mary’s legacy lives on in the countless ways she showed up for others, in the laughter she sparked, and in the thoughtful gestures that made ordinary days feel special.

Details for a memorial or celebration of life will be shared at a later date. In the meantime, those who wish to honor Mary are invited to carry forward the kindness she offered so freely: check in on a neighbor, lend a hand, or take a peaceful walk by the water. May her steadfast spirit and her favorite words—“It is what it is!”—remind us to meet each day with courage, gratitude, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.