Jane Reifler

Jane Phyllis Reifler, born on August 1, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at GBMC in Towson, Maryland.



Jane graduated from Brooklyn College where she served as President of her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. Shortly after marrying Ronald Reifler, she relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where she began teaching Anatomy and Physiology to nursing students at Sinai Hospital. She later joined the G.I. Department at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She went on to receive her Master's degree in Mental Health from Johns Hopkins University. Jane worked at the Crisis Clinic in Baltimore and later the Kennedy Krieger Institute helping families and children.

In addition to her professional achievements, Jane was a gifted artist and entrepreneur. She opened her first store in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where her love for creating jewelry and pottery flourished. Later, she co-founded Elan Jewelry in Columbia, Maryland, with her husband Ronald and was later joined by her daughter Jill. Over three decades, their family business thrived under the names Kokopelli and Brighton. For Jane, this venture was more than a career; it was an opportunity to explore the world and share international adventures with her family.



She was the cherished daughter of William and Estelle Kaner of Brooklyn. As an adoptee, she spent many years searching for her birth mother. Her personal journey took an extraordinary turn when she discovered her Icelandic heritage and birth family through 23andMe. At the age of 80, Jane fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Iceland to meet members of her birth family. She went on to meet her newfound half-sisters, half-brother, and cousins.



Her talents were as diverse as her passions. An avid bridge player, Jane achieved Life Master status with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) and continued playing bridge online into 2025. Her artistic side blossomed through pottery; she was deeply involved with Baltimore Clayworks as both an artist and board member. Jane was a tireless supporter of the arts including museums and theatres in Baltimore and New York City. A voracious reader, Jane actively participated in a book club affiliated with Beth Am Synagogue, where she was a longtime member.

Jane's commitment to social justice and adoptees' rights was unwavering throughout her life. She supported causes close to her heart, including the Adoption Connection Triangle, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Maryland Food Bank-reflecting her dedication to social justice and compassion for others.

Jane is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Ronald Reifler; their children Perry (Wendy Owens), Jill Lehr (Scott Lehr), and Natt Reifler (Susan Reifler); six beloved grandchildren-Kevin Lehr, Allison Lehr, Matthew Lehr, Jenna Reifler, Natalie Reifler, and Nicholas Reifler; as well as her half-siblings Elaine Flad, Cynthia Larsen Lewis, Denise Mason, and Stuart Larsen. She was predeceased by her half-brother Scott Larsen.



Her family will be receiving guests to honor Jane's remarkable life on February 1, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at her home.

May all who knew Jane find solace in memories of her warmth, wisdom, and tireless dedication to making the world brighter for those around her.