Mary Jane Tralongo
Nov. 14, 1932-March 10, 2022
Palo Alto, California

Mary Jane Tralongo, a 67-year resident of Palo Alto, entered into eternal rest on March 10, 2022. She was 89 years old. Mary Jane is survived by her children, Dennis McLaughlin (Canice), Ken McLaughlin (Elaine), Kathy Patterson (David) and Diana McLaughlin Burk (Kael). She is also survived by eight wonderful grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary Jane was born in Milwaukee, WI in November 1932 to Clara and Salvatore (Sam) Tralongo. Her family moved to San Jose in the early 1950s. The Tralongo family remained very close and enjoyed spending time together at family BBQs and Seacliff State Beach. Mary Jane’s first job in San Jose was as secretary for a professor at San Jose State University. She took dictation using shorthand and typed on a manual typewriter.

Mary Jane and her former husband, James McLaughlin, moved to Palo Alto in 1954. Mary Jane was a traditional housewife who stayed home with her children, volunteered in the schools, and prepared delicious meals for her family. They were active in Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. Mary Jane worked 23 years at the Stanford University Department of Public Safety. She was a secretary and maintained police records. After retiring from SUDPS, she spent many years caring for her daughter and helping to raise her grandson, Pedro.

Mary Jane will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family and her famous Pasta Sauce. She had the ability to sing a song to match any occasion, was silly, dramatic and could tell stories and make them come alive. Her Sicilian and Polish heritage was a great source of pride for her. Favorite pastimes included sitting in the sun, listening to Andrea Bocelli or Dean Martin holding a glass of white wine filled with fresh berries. She would lift her glass up and say, Salute-Per-Tutti!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pets in Need at the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.