Mary Jane (MJ) Douglas Broom

Died 5/6/2017

BROOM, Mary Jane "MJ" (Douglas)  1939 - 2017

After complications from a number of conditions, and a long, tough fight, our beloved wife, mother and grandmother Mary Jane passed away at Hospice of Spokane, on May 6.

She was born in Lewiston to Wallace and Jane Douglas, and after Jane's death she became stepdaughter of Catherine Douglas. She attended Lewiston H.S. and received her Bachelors of Science in Hematology from the University of Idaho, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

She married her husband of 54 years, Dave Broom of Spokane, on August 3, 1963. Children Randall and Jane were born in 1966 and 1969.

After graduation MJ initially worked at Stanford University hospital in Palo Alto, then as a docent in the Seattle World's Fair NASA Pavillion. After marriage, the couple spent two years in New York City, MJ then working in the pediatric research project operated at the old, old Bellevue Hospital by New York University Medical Center.

After returning to Spokane, she continued to practice her medical technology at Sacred Heart, and thereafter owned and operated MJB Estate Sales, where her expertise in antiques served her well. Before leaving the work force she spent several years with the SCC Institute for Extended Learning, arranging on-sight seminars for businesses and non-profits.

Mary Jane continued what was a long, and highly effective second career in civic and philanthropic work as a volunteer. She was in a variety of positions with the Spokane Symphony and Symphony Associates, eventually winning many of the awards given out annually by that latter group. Other impact volunteering was done with Wampum, and the Women Helping Women Fund where she was part of its founding. She was a Junior League Sustainer of the Year. Shortly after word got out that the Fox might be torn down, true to form, she became part of the "save" group, and could be found in Riverpark Square, sitting at a table soliciting the public to join in that salvation activity.

Mary Jane took up tennis, and developed into a competitive club-level player, among other things displaying a vicious, down-the-line forehand. She played for many years until tennis elbow finally slowed her down. She also played golf, ice skated and swam - the latter mostly at the couple's summer home at Hayden Lake. We all recall her skill and incredible patience in painting, wallpapering and refinishing antique furniture.

Although an Idaho grad, her family were otherwise Huskies, so she adjusted and became, what one of her t-shirts stated-- "Reincarnated Husky".

She is survived by her husband Dave; sisters
Mary Maloney, Patsy Lodge and Nancy Hulick; children Randall (Maureen) and Jane (Brent) Davidson; and five grandchildren Jack, Andrew, Graham, John and Matthew. Special thanks to her long time caregiver, Heather Bracey who was so devoted to MJ and our family.

Mary Jane was a loving mom, grandma and wife who opened her home to everyone. She was zany, curious and full of life, never boring, and will be missed by all who knew her.

A memorial gathering will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday June 23, at the Fox. The family suggests contributions to the Spokane Symphony, or any other favorite charity, in Lieu of flowers or other gifts.