Mary Jane – known to most simply as MJ – was a committed humanist whose work shaped Humanist Alliance Philippines International (HAPI) from its earliest days. As a founding member and the organization’s current Chief Finance Officer, she had championed humanist values since 2013 with unwavering dedication, generosity, and integrity, and she was elected to the Board of Humanists International at the General Assembly in Singapore in 2024. Her influence extended far beyond administrative leadership; she was a mentor, a source of encouragement, and a constant force of support for HAPI volunteers, leaders, and community members alike.
Outside her work with HAPI, MJ was deeply involved in serving her local community. As President of the Solo Parent group in her area, she worked closely with the local government to ensure that single parents had access to the resources, advocacy, and support they needed to raise their children with dignity and resilience. Her commitment to empowering families and improving lives was not theoretical – it was lived, daily and wholeheartedly.
Weekends for MJ were often spent in the company of the children in her community, teaching them about humanism, critical thinking, and science, and nurturing curiosity and confidence. She also dedicated time to helping parents build financial literacy and stability, always seeking practical ways to uplift those around her.
Her compassion extended to animals as well; MJ cared deeply for her adopted cats and took great joy in collecting Deadpool toys – small but meaningful reflections of her humour and warmth.
MJ’s death will be profoundly felt across HAPI and the wider humanist movement, especially by those in the Philippines who worked alongside her and were inspired by her leadership. Many of us had the privilege of spending time with her recently at Humanist International’s Board Strategy Meeting in Ottawa, Canada, making this loss even more difficult to comprehend. Grief affects everyone differently, and it is natural that this news may stir strong and complex emotions – even for those who may not have known her closely.
As we take time to process this loss together, we honour MJ’s legacy: her commitment to humanist values, her tireless service, and the kindness she extended so freely. She leaves behind a community made stronger because of her contributions, and a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire.
We will share further updates as they become available. In the meantime, anyone who wishes to talk or seek support is welcome to reach out.
Mary Jane will be deeply missed. Her impact remains.
Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists International, commented:
“Mary Jane was a dedicated humanist, a beautiful light, and a joy to be around. She lived authentically and fully, and led the growth of humanism in the Philippines with passion and warmth. I am saddened by this tremendous loss to the humanist family, and I will miss her deeply.”
Gary McLelland, Chief Executive of Humanists International, commented:
“Mary Jane will be deeply missed. She has made a deep and profound contribution to the advancement of humanism around the world, and in mentoring and supporting a whole generation of young leaders. Her hard work and dedication leaves a lasting legacy which will be remembered for a long time to come.”
Javan Lev Poblador, Membership Manager of Humanists International, added:
“The warmth and joy that Mary Jane brought to any gathering will be deeply missed by so many. She never wavered in her convictions, always remaining true and authentic. I am heartbroken to have lost a colleague and such a close friend, but I know the work she achieved has left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone she encountered.”
Andrew Copson, Former President of Humanists International, said:
“When I was President and Mary Jane joined the Board, I knew instantly she would be an enormous asset. She was a warm and capable colleague with great dedication and insightful strategic thoughts. We also talked a lot about her determination as a single parent to raise a child with humanist values because that was something that my own mum did for me. She thought deeply and carefully about her role as a parent and my thoughts go out to her son and all those who loved her in the Philippines and beyond.”