Mary Jane Mullen car accident: GoFundMe raises more than $50,000 for beloved employee of 65 years 

In a heartwarming display of affection and gratitude, the Lenape High School community came together to raise more than $50,000 for Mary Jane Mullen, who died due to injuries sustained from a car accident

The dedicated school secretary, who devoted a remarkable 65 years of her life to the institution, passed away on Sunday, May 14.

Tragedy struck on May 3 when the 75-year-old was involved in a car accident in Medford. According to Medford police, her car collided with another vehicle at Route 70 and North Main Street. She was immediately rushed to the trauma center at Camden's, Cooper University Hospital.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by a Lenape graduate, given her accident, surpassed $50,000.

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Mary Jane Mullen started out as a student at Lenape High School

It was reported that Mary Jane Mullen was in good spirits but still had a long way to go. The GoFundMe campaign with a target of $50,000 was launched by a Lenape alum to help with her medical costs. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries just 11 days later.

The fundraiser also served the purpose of supporting a scholarship in the name of Mary Jane Mullen.

Mary's loss was felt by generations of the Medford community (Image via Bradley & Stow)

The initiative garnered an overwhelming response, with donations pouring in from individuals whose lives Mullen had touched over the years. At the time of writing this article, it stands at a steadily rising $50,270, with 886 donations and a top donation of $500 by 5 people.

Mary Jane Mullen's journey at Lenape High School stretches back to 1958 when the Philadelphia native joined the institution as a student in the school's inaugural sophomore class. In her high school yearbook, she described herself as a person of sincere nature who likes people, good food, clothes, and friends.

Just one month after graduating, she joined the school administration as a secretary. She even led a student club for future secretaries. A statement from Lenope regional school district said:

"Her hiring forever changed Lenape High School."

She was described as the heart of Lenope High and as a person who approached every day with genuine love, kindness, and care.

Mary Jane Mullen's tribute wall on the funeral home website is filled with messages about how sweet a person she was. (Image via Bradley & Stow)

District Superintendent Carol Birnbohm recalled fondly how Mullen used to deliver notes of encouragement, gratitude, and love to students, staffers, and family members. The Superintendent said:

“It seems nearly impossible to write thousands upon thousands of personalized notes, which touch the hearts of countless individuals, but that is exactly what Mary Jane did.”

School principal, Anthony Cattani said that almost every graduate who comes back to the school enquires about Mary Jane Mullen:

“They are not interested in our test scores or other building improvements; without fail, the first thing they ask is, ‘Is Mary Jane still here?’”

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The staff plans to memorialize her but nothing is in motion yet. The principal urged the staff to take care of each other and the students and allow themselves to grieve. Mary's interment was held in private on Thursday, May 18, at the St. Mary of the Lakes Church in Medford, New Jersey. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home.