Mary Jane "Knute" Welzant

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — Mary Jane “Knute” Welzant was born on September 2, 1931, in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout their marriage, she and her husband, Peter Paul Welzant, Jr., lived in several states before making Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, their permanent home in 1980. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 16, 2026, at the Fraser Health Center on Hilton Head Island.

Knute was especially proud to celebrate her 95th birthday, which she marked surrounded by family and friends from The Seabrook. She attended the University of Baltimore and enjoyed a wide variety of interests throughout her life, including traveling, sewing, knitting, smocking, decorating, and cheering on the University of Alabama football team. Above all, however, her greatest pleasure was reading, and she remained an avid reader throughout her life. A lifelong animal lover, Knute generously volunteered her time at the Hilton Head Island Animal Shelter and adopted many pets over the years, providing each with a loving home.

Knute was actively involved in the Palmetto Dunes community, particularly enjoying the friendships she shared with her neighbors on Swing About. She had been a resident of The Seabrook since 2020, where she participated in numerous clubs and activities and enjoyed the many friendships and connections she developed.

Knute is survived by her daughters, Jane Nastally (Paul) of Coldwater, Michigan, and Pamela Shay (Rick) of Johns Creek, Georgia. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Andrew Rubley (Neeti), Stephanie Alexander (Cory), Matthew Rubley, and Dr. Emily Webster (Will), and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter Paul Welzant, Jr., and her son, Paul Birkett Welzant.

Knute’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Fraser Health Center on Hilton Head Island for their professional and compassionate care, as well as to the staff of MiraSol Hospice of Hilton Head for the exceptional kindness, support, and compassionate end-of-life care they provided.