Mary will be remembered in a ceremony at Town Center Village Vitality Center in Happy Valley, Oregon on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 1:30pm.

Mary will receive Full Military Honors during interment at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on Friday March 3, 2017 at 2pm.

---

Mary Jane Cashman, age 84, died on January 5, 2017. She passed away peacefully at home in her sleep with her two oldest daughters by her side.

Born Mary Jane Rott on April 3, 1932, she was the youngest child of Edward and Mary Rott. She spent her childhood in the small town of Cape May Court House, New Jersey roaming the woods, fishing and kayaking with her brother Roy. She lost her older brother Eddy in World War II when she was 10. After graduating from Middle Township High School, Mary joined the pioneering Women’s Air Force (WAF), taking the train to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. She proudly served as a WAF during the Korean War as a radar operator. Her military career gave her the opportunity to travel and create lifelong friendships with the women she served with.

In 1954 she married John Thomas Cashman, who was also a member of the US Air Force. Together they continued to travel and build a family, having five children in four different states and one different country. They settled in San Jose, California where she began her own career in defense contract work after her marriage ended.

After her five children left home she purged her belongings, packed up her Mazda truck, and headed out to live and travel about the United States. She settled in Portland, Oregon with three of her children nearby. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, braiding rugs and reading a good mystery novel. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren or checking in on Facebook to see what they were up to. She valued her family above all. Our beloved mother is keenly missed.

Mary is survived by her children: Valerie Cashman (Keith Kelleman), Linda Sturdivant (Gary Sturdivant), Edward Cashman (Debra Cashman), Christine Nakae (Jon Nakae) and Thomas Cashman, and her grandchildren: Julie Kelleman, Juno Kelleman, Colin Sturdivant, Ryan Sturdivant, Evan Sturdivant, Quynn Cashman, Claire Cashman, Anna Nakae, and Jackson Nakae.

The family especially thanks the staff of Town Center Village, Jyoshin Clay of Dharma Rain Zen Center, Providence Portland Hospice, and Kathy Wentz-­?Phelps at Omega Funeral and Cremation Service.