Jane McNabb

84, of Boston & Natick, MA, died on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Metrowest Medical Center in Natick, MA, after a long illness. Born in Utica, New York on October 7, 1923, she was the daughter of the late John Sinnott & Helene (Doyle) Sinnott of Clinton, New York. She was married to William H. McNabb of Boston who predeceased her. Jane was a graduate of Utica Country Day School, The Knox School & Manhattenville College in New York. Shortly after finishing college she moved to Boston where she became employed by MIT. She worked there for forty-seven years as administrator in the Department of Meteorology & Oceanography & was recognized in 1993 by MIT with the James N. Murphy Award. The award was established in 1967 in memory of James N. Murphy for his immeasurable contribution to community life at the Institute. It is given to a member of the MIT staff whose spirit & loyalty exemplify this kind of inspired and dedicated service, especially with regard to students. Jane is remembered by many of her colleagues as the face and voice of meteorology at MIT. With her big woolen sweaters and easy-going character, Jane has been described as not only the "chief of staff, but truly the den mother". She brought together students, faculty, staff, and visitors and made them part of a family - her family - so that being in the meteorology department was much more than a professional circumstance. Her students remember her as a nurturing mentor, helping many of them adjust to university life and the rigors of their studies, especially those that had relocated to Boston from other countries and states. Jane was an active volunteer in numerous organizations including the Boston Red Cross, the Nichols House on Beacon Hill, The Boston Athenaeum, the Beacon Hill Civic Association and The Junior League of Boston, among others. She also supported many charitable organizations including the Boston Police Relief Association, the Animal Rescue League, education organizations, libraries and health care facilities. Jane is survived by her niece Anne Merchant Geissler and her husband William A. Geissler of Natick, MA. She is also survived by her brother Roger Sinnott of Utica New York, sister-in-law, Sr. Rosemary McNabb, of Convent Station, New Jersey, two brothers-in-law, Robert McNabb of Fort Wayne Pennsylvania, Jack McNabb of Kingston, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 11 am at Saint Linus Church on Hartford Street in Natick with a reception to follow. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com