Jane E. Bentas

Jane E. Bentas passed away peacefully at the age of 98 while at RiverWoods Manchester Assisted Living, in the Memory Care wing. She lived at RiverWoods for 11 years, gracefully transitioning through the different stages of later life, and in her final, peaceful moments was surrounded by kind and loving care.

Jane was known for her kindness, humor, and wisdom, and had a deep appreciation for the love of her family and friends.

She was born in New Lexington, Ohio, to Edward Richard Hughes, Sr. and Olive Maria (Hilt) Hughes. She was predeceased by all of her siblings: Jennith Eileen, Lena Marie, Ruth Laverne, and Edward Richard Hughes, Jr. Jane graduated as salutatorian from New Lexington High School in 1945. She went on to graduate from nursing school with equally high honors, earning the nickname “Wise Owl.”

Jane met and fell in love with her soon-to-be husband while working as Head Nurse, with Nick as a resident physician, in Columbus, Ohio. She married Nicholas H. Bentas on August 15, 1951, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Together, they made their home in Manchester, New Hampshire, where they began their own family history.

After Nicholas passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 80 in 2002, Jane carried on with remarkable resilience. She became a valued docent at Manchester’s Currier Museum of Art, where she formed many dear friendships and shared countless meaningful moments. These years were deeply cherished and allowed Jane to continue living a fulfilled life after the loss of her husband of 51 years.

Jane is survived by her son, Harry Bentas, and his wife, Meredith; her daughter, Deborah Bentas DeGalla; and her adored granddaughter, Alexandra Jane Bentas. Jane was a lover of animals, and one cat in particular, Daphne, provided her with years of unconditional love while she lived at RiverWoods.

Jane lived with Alzheimer’s Disease in her later years. The family requests that memorial donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.

Please join her family for a small service in the Chapel at Brookside Congregational Church, 2013 Elm Street, Manchester, NH, on Thursday, January 15, at 2:30 p.m., followed by a tea service in the Manning House.