Mary Jane Schmitz, 71, of Winterhaven, Fla., formerly of Kane, died Friday, April 17, 1998, at her home after a lengthy illness. In 1946 she graduated from Waynesburg High School and following graduation married John D. Null. They were divorced in 1973. She worked at the Cera Magnet Division of Stackpole Carbon Co. in Kane from 1961 until 1973. In 1973 she married George F. Erdman, who is deceased. They managed and operated the Airport Restaurant at the Bradford Regional Airport in Lewis Run from 1973 until 1982. She earned her private pilot's license in 1967; was a member and in 1968 was voted president of the McKean County branch of the Civil Air Patrol, and was the first female licensed pilot in McKean County. On April 17, 1988, she married Norbert L. Schmitz of North Collins, N.Y., who survives. Mrs. Schmitz was a member of the Worldwide Church of God. Surviving are a sister, Margaret Dakan of Moundsville, W.Va.; three children, Stanley W. Null of Bellevue, Neb., Jenny Lynn Kerr of Kane and John D. Null Jr. of Bradford; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a daughter, Cathy Jane Null Mason, and a brother, Washington Jeptha Moore Jr. A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Tuesday, April 28, 1998Mary Jane Schmitz
First licensed woman pilot in McKean County
She was born February 10, 1927, in Burgettstown, daughter of Washington Jeptha and Anna Irene Howell Moore.