Cmdr. Mary Jane “MJ” Perry served her country for 20 years as a naval officer, first hunting Soviet submarines and later providing support to thousands of Navy servicemembers and their families while stationed in Okinawa, Japan; Hawaii; California, and Washington D.C. She epitomized ‘leadership by example’ through her tirelessness support, enthusiasm and generosity toward others. In uniform she served in leadership roles as the officer in charge of the personnel support detachment in Pearl Harbor and as executive assistant to the Commander of Naval Installations (CNIC). While stricken with a rare and incurable cancer in her last years, she remained focused on others and mentored many spouses about the demands and importance of being a Navy spouse. She passed away in 2021 and is survived by three children.

Last Updated: 30 March 2023