Jane E. Wise

West Springfield – Jane E. Wise, age 69, of West Springfield, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday- March 31, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Trenton, NJ, she was the beloved daughter of the late Francis Joseph and Wilma “Billie” (Roberts) Witkowski Jane graduated from Hamilton West High School and went on to earn her associate degree from Mercer County Community College. She dedicated many decades of her life working as a Dental Assistant, a career from which she retired with much respect from her colleagues and patients alike.
In 1989, Jane and her husband, Ken settled in West Springfield, where she became a beloved member of the community and a devout parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Her life was a testament to love, particularly towards her family. Jane was a devoted wife, a loving mother to her three children—Rob, Doug, and Becky—and a doting “GiGi” to her precious granddaughters, Maci and Sophie. Jane’s passion for travel took her to magnificent places around the world, recently visiting Baltic Nations, Southern Europe, Iceland and Egypt. Still, she equally cherished her yearly family vacations to Long Beach Island, NJ, and Emerald Isle, NC, creating countless treasured memories with her many nieces and nephews and her beloved sister Carol Berlinger and brother “Butch’s” Family, as well. Jane enjoyed many hobbies, but her favorite past times included reading, watching Duke men’s basketball, and hosting backyard bonfires that brought together her extended family for laughter and storytelling. She leaves behind her loving husband, Ken; their children, Robert and Julie Wise of West Springfield, Douglas Wise, and his husband Santino Valentino of Agawam, and Rebecca “Becky” Wise and her significant other Frank Napolitano of East Hampton, CT; her bonus daughter Annmarie (Rudy) Henke, along with her adored granddaughters, Maci and Sophie. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Francis “Butch” Witkowski, Jr. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 4-7 PM at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1042 Westfield Street, West Springfield. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, April 5, at 9 AM at the same location. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 10:30 AM, with Committal at St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jane’s name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 181 Park Avenue Suite 12, West Springfield, MA.We extend a special gratitude to Dr Glynn and all the medical communities of Mercy Oncology. Your sensitivity and supportive care extended Jane’s life and gave her time to be in her favorite spots; on a sunny beach with a glass of wine— surrounded by her children, neighboring friends and especially her granddaughters. Jane’s legacy is one of enduring love, kindness, and the joy she found in the simple pleasures of life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.