Aug. 3, 1939 — Jan. 26, 2018

Mary Jane (Niver) Harkins, 78, of Niles, passed away unexpectedly, but of natural causes, at her home on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018.

Mary was born on Aug. 3, 1939, to the late Ralph and Eunice (Meyers) Niver in Mishawaka, Indiana. She graduated from Brandywine High School with the class of 1979. Mary was an avid reader. She was a very creative quilter. She made over 20 quilts in the last year of her life for family and friends. Mary also enjoyed working in her yard when her health allowed her to, she was especially happy when a beautiful butterfly would land near her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Sally Wilson; and a brother, Merle Niver.

She is survived by her children, Tina Harkins of Niles, Paul Harkins of Indianapolis, Indiana, Lisa Harkins, Kent Harkins both of Niles and Dana Soyland of Elkhart; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Shirley Jean (Don) Nichols, Jack (Janet) Niver, Marilyn Seidner, Janet Robinson, John Niver, Lynda (Don) Hummel, Michael Niver, Steve (Tina) Niver, Rhonda Terry and Donna (Mickle) Terry.

A time of visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be following the visitation at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Bertrand Bible Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of Tina Harkins.

Those wishing to leave a message for the family or upload a photo of Mary, may do so on our website at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.