Continued from previous week
Mary Jane and Bill Sorgel’s relationship spanned 34 years in what she referred to as “a great love story.”
The pair enjoyed being active and shared a love of scuba diving, fishing, cross-country skiing, performing for friends, traveling and Yorkies.
However, Mary Jane still found time for her second love — the Green Bay Packers — joining her former Golden Girls to provide entertainment throughout the Northeast community.
She also did a good amount of charity in the communities she called home.
“Although Mary Jane spent part of each year in Florida, her heart was always in Sturgeon Bay. She was often a guest presenter for social and civic organizations, and she loved staying involved with the people and activities in Sturgeon Bay,” said former Golden Girl Carla Coffey
“Mary Jane invited her niece, Susan Heimbecher, and me to join her at the Adult and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for an appearance one time. We shared our memories of our Packer days, and yes, we performed routine No. 6 — pom pons and all. The audience loved it and asked so many questions.”
“I remember Mary Jane doing some cheers at the Senior Center and at Pine Crest assisted living complete with glitzy Packer attire,” added Golden Girl Mary Wulf
“She would ask a few of us Golden Girls living in Sturgeon Bay to join her. Usually it was during the football season.
“She organized many gatherings with alumni over the years including joining a parade across the new Bayview Bridge in Sturgeon Bay.
Mary Jane participated in telethons in Michigan and Wisconsin and brought back the Golden Girls for the “Green and Gold Galas.”
In July 2006, her husband Bill passed away.
The following year, Mary Jane was presented with the Wisconsin Dance Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
She was also highlighted in the “Legends on Parade” — which commemorated the 50th anniversary of Lambeau Field — along with Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, Willie Davis, Jerry Kramer and other Packers greats.
She later found companionship with an old childhood friend, Jack Champeau.
She lost Champeau in 2018.
Through all of the love and loss, one passion remained through it all.
“She just had so much zest for life and enjoyed her Packer memories until the day she died,” Wulf added.
To be continued
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