Mary Jane Gelder Plummer, described as a Renaissance woman due to her passion for the arts and her devotion to community service, graduated from Sidney High in 1958 with academic honors and the Senior Achievement Award for participation and excellence in extra-curricular organizations and activities.
Mary Jane furthered her education at Syracuse University, where she majored in music education. After working briefly in a school in South Plainfield, NJ, she returned to Sidney in 1967 to raise her children. Her career path then took her to Amphenol where she served as a production analyst and expeditor for twenty years. Her supervisor, Leonard Parren, described her as "an outstanding employee during a time of transition at the plant."
Talent and a love of music led to Mary Jane's participation in the Tri Town Theater, serving as president, treasurer, performer and behind the scenes worker. Her first major role was that of Marian the librarian, in the "Music Man". She has been active in the area musically, serving many years as organist and choir director at the First Congregational Church and participating in vocal opportunities in the Southern Tier.
Since retiring, Mary Jane has continued to exemplify her ideal that "folks owe something to the place where they live" for over twenty years. As President of Friends of the Library and now President of the Sidney Memorial Public Library Board of Trustees Mary Jane has contributed continually to its work and success and has been instrumental in initiating many community programs, including the monthly film series, a book club discussion group, maintenance of Molly's garden, as well as encouraging book sales and children's cultural programs.
Her continuing service as President, Program Chair, and current Treasurer of the Hill and Valley Garden Club was instrumental in acquiring the 'Welcome to Sidney' sign. In her position as Chairman of the Council at the First Congregational Church, she led the church in the challenge of closing after 211 years while striving to preserve its history and guiding it into becoming a focal point of community culture and activity.
Mary Jane's personal interests include travel, reading, perennial gardening, quilting and golf. Close friend Susan Sklenarik said that "she could be counted upon to help whenever needed, and to follow through." Mary Jane was named First Lady of the Year in 2013 by the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.