Mary Jane Taverna (Klotz) of Lexington died on April 23, 2026 at home, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of the late Arthur R. Taverna. Loving mother of David Taverna and his wife Kimberly of Medway, and Susan Taverna McLaughlin and her husband Thomas of Lexington. Devoted sister of Joan Plitt of New Holland, PA, and the late Elizabeth Zahalka and William O. Klotz Jr. She is also survived by her three loving grandchildren: Alison Taverna, Gabriella McLaughlin, and Daisy McLaughlin.

Jane graduated St. Andrews in Maryland. She earned an associate's degree in Management and went to work for Allied Research where she met her late husband. In 1956, they married and moved to Massachusetts where she raised her children and lived the remainder of her life in Lexington.

Jane was a strong-willed and independent woman who was very kind-hearted, witty, poised, and a great conversationalist. She was an avid reader of The Wall Street Journal, historical nonfiction, and courtroom dramas. She had an admirable sense of style, particularly fond of English and Italian fashion. She would often showcase a pair of Ferragamos or was found sporting checkered Vans. She enjoyed gardening in her beautiful yard and often shared blooms of hydrangeas, peonies, and ranunculus. She loved baking, inheriting her passion from her mother. Her pumpkin and pecan pies, rice pudding, and coconut cake are legendary recipes still made by her family and frequently sought out. She embraced her Maryland roots and loved all things related to Southern culture; she was a longtime Colonial Williamsburg donor and received regular crab cake shipments. As a 30-year Patriots season ticket holder, she spent her Sundays as an enthusiastic tailgater at Gillette, or rooting for TB12 at home. While she had many hobbies, she took the greatest pride in making a nice home and caring for her family.

Funeral from the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington on Monday May 4th at 9am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Brigid Church, Lexington at 10am. Visiting hours at the funeral home on Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Interment at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.