May Jane Erler

Mary Jane Erler, a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away quietly at 7:24 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2016 at Caretel Inn of Lakeland, St. Joseph Michigan.

She was born April 15, 1916 in South Bend, a daughter of Charles E. & Edna (Evans) Kuntz.  On September 9, 1939 in South Bend, Jane was united in marriage to Walter Erler Jr.  He passed away in 1975.  She was also preceded in death by her sister, Carey Belle Kell.

Jane is survived by her daughter Patricia Lynne “Trisha” O’Hanlon-Handshaw and her son-in-law, Robert Handshaw of Benton Harbor, MI.

Mrs. Erler attended Sat. Mary’s College at Notre Dame. She retired as an Elementary School Teacher with the South Bend Community School Corp.  She was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, and the Timely Topics Circle of the church.  She was a volunteer at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and at several area nursing homes.  She was a life member and Past President of the Ladies of the Elks, South Bend.

A private family service will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend.  Rev. Greg Crump will officiate.  Contributions in memory of Mrs. Erler may be offered to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. The Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is serving the Erler family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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