Photo courtesy of Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield
West Springfield, Massachusetts
Apr 8, 1958 – Dec 6, 2022
Jane (Shuzdak) O’Brien, 64, of West Springfield, passed away December 6, 2022 after a several year struggle with progressive dementia. Born in Northampton to the late Leonard Shuzdak of Northampton and Marion (Pielock) Shuzdak of Whately, she grew up in Hadley and graduated from Hopkins Academy in 1976. After graduation, she went on to earn her associates and then her bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In her early years, she worked as a pediatric registered nurse for Kaiser Permanente and Baystate Health and then became a nurse case manager for children with special healthcare needs for Baystate Health and Boston Children’s Hospital later in her career. Jane could (and certainly would) talk to anyone and everyone. She was quick to joke, quick to laugh, and made friends with everyone she met; friends would describe her as the nicest person they know. When not taking care of patients and their families, Jane spent her time travelling the world with her husband, going to concerts, shopping for anything colored purple, soaking up sun at the beach, and enjoying time with her family. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, John L. O’Brien, her children Christopher J. O’Brien and Patrick W. O’Brien, both of West Springfield, her brother Leonard Shuzdak Jr., of Hadley, and many brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The wake will be held at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, West Springfield on December 12, 2022 from 4 PM to 7 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 47 Pine Street followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery, all in West Springfield. In lieu of flowers and because of her devotion to helping sick children, any donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Thank you to the staff at the Heritage Woods memory care unit for your compassionate care and for making Jane’s last few months peaceful and full of community. For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com
Read MoreMy condolences to Johnny, Christopher and Patrick and all family of Jane´s. I recently found out finder passing and am very saddened. I knew Jane for many years since Kaiser. She was a great friend, nurse, mother, wife, and sister and much much more. We always met to catch up when I came home and she came to San Diego to visit me. I will never forget how much fun we had everywhere we went. RIP Jane
Donna Gould
April 16, 2023
My condolences to John and Jane's family. Jane was my first friend while working at Baystate Medical and we remained friends. Jane was always upbeat, knowledgeable, had an great sense of humor, a listening ear and caring nurse and friend to so many. I will always cherish our times together and her memory.
Darlene Blakesley
April 08, 2023 | Friend
sorry to hear of Jane's passing. she always had a smile and was forever laughing. Linda Gwozdz, HA, Hadley
Linda Gwozdz
December 14, 2022 | Friend
My heartfelt condolences to Jane’s family and friends. Jane was one of the kindest people I’ve known and was loved by the many children and families she helped. She was an energetic member of the Western Mass. Coalition for Children with Special Health Needs. She was in her element at the Coalition’s winter holiday party for kids and families held at Shriner’s Hospital, making kids happy. Jane was a wonderful colleague and friend who will be greatly missed.
Lisa Sheehy
December 12, 2022 | Williamsburg, MA | Coworker
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thank you for taking good care of my daughter you were the best nurse and friend you will be missed
Jane Szelewicki
December 12, 2022 | Hadley, MA | Friend
My condolences to Jane's family. I am going to miss Jane and her infectious positivity and zest for life. She was always fun to be around and made it easy to let loose and have fun. She was an amazing person and I am blessed to have had her as a part of my life growing up as well as an adult. It's rare that you actually want to be friends with your parents friends! Jane will be missed but I'll be thinking of her any time I see some purple or hear some of her favorite songs. May she rest in...
Brittany Condon
December 12, 2022 | Smithfield, RI | Friend
What an amazing and fun loving person Jane was. Her smile touched a lot of people in positive ways, conveying to us a sense of friendship. Jane will be missed by all who knew her.
Dick and Joanne Pirog
December 11, 2022 | Friend
I worked with Jane back in the 1980's at Amherst Medical Center, OB/GYN. She was calm, organized, and fun! I remember her writing checklists of things to do on behalf of our patients. (This was decades before checklists became standard practice.) I will always remember Jane's kindness. My condolences to her family.
Karen Banta
December 11, 2022 | Westhampton, MA | Coworker
Thank you for your service of being my pediatrician for many years as child throughout them years I will dearly miss your bright smile and brightness
Tatiana wilson
December 11, 2022 | Other
