Jane Mary Masse

1936 - 2023

Jane Mary (Burke) Masse, 86, of West Hartford, Connecticut passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 15, 2023 surrounded by family. One of 12 children, Jane was born in Aillebrack, Co. Galway, Ireland on April 18, 1936 to the late Bartley and Mary (Flaherty) Burke. Jane emigrated from Ireland to Scotland and was proud to work for Singer Sewing Machine. In Scotland, Jane met the love of her life, Tony Masse. They married in 1957, moved to New Zealand, and had two children Gary and Paula. Going more than halfway around the world by ship, Jane and her family joined many of her siblings in New York City in late 1964, before settling in West Hartford, CT. Jane was predeceased by her husband, Tony, whom she cared for tirelessly during his battle with cancer.

Jane enjoyed a successful career at Travelers for several decades. Upon her retirement, Jane found her calling in caring for her grandchildren. When she wasn't with them, she spent time traveling to Ireland and Scotland to visit her siblings. Jane was a mentor to her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and her large extended family. She was an avid and accomplished knitter, creating complicated Irish argyle patterns, school uniforms, vests, and sweaters for family and friends. With a quick mind, Jane enjoyed puzzles and word finds. She was a fan of UConn Women's Basketball and Notre Dame Football, and enjoyed watching her two favorite shows: Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.

Jane leaves her son Gary Masse, his wife Peggy, and daughter Paula (Masse) Smyth and her husband Blaise. She also leaves five cherished grandchildren; Danny Masse, Tony Masse, Kelly (Smyth) Dlugolecki (and her husband Chris), Erin Smyth, and Matthew Smyth. She also leaves her adorable baby great-grandson Christopher Dlugolecki. Jane is survived by three sisters, Nancy Daly, Winnie Hartnett, and Theresa Cronin in addition to her sister-in-law, Peggy Burke. Her deceased siblings include Mickey Burke, Paddy Burke, Bertie Burke, Martin Burke, Mary Miller, Margaret Taylor, Catherine Creighton, and Bridget Browne.

The Masse/Smyth Family would like to thank Brookdale West Hartford Assisted Living Facility for their compassion and care for Jane these past 14 months.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 20th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, CT. Family and friends may call on Thursday, January 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, January 20th at 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org. To share memories or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.molloyfuneralhome.com