Jane Marie Jolly

Jane Marie Jolly
May 29, 1930 – August 15, 2025
Jane Marie Jolly, age 95, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Cadillac Hospital.
Jane was born on May 29, 1930, in St. Johns to Anthony and Ellen (Gladstone) Stambersky. A proud graduate of St. Johns High School, she was a member of the Class of 1949. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Keith "Red" Jolly, and together they shared 39 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 1992.
Jane was best known for her kindness, generosity, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. She worked as head cook in the cafeteria at St. Johns Schools, where she became affectionately known for her famous chicken noodle soup-still remembered fondly by generations of students.
Her love for people shone especially bright during the holidays. Jane joyfully played the role of Mrs. Claus and baked countless Christmas cookies to share with anyone who would accept them. After retirement, she worked at Rhemann's and used her earnings to buy extra Christmas gifts for her family, a true reflection of her giving heart.
Jane had a zest for life and simple joys-dancing with her beloved husband to polka music, baking delicious desserts, trying her luck with scratch-off lottery tickets, and most of all, spending cherished time with her family.
She is survived by her children: John (Charlotte) Jolly, Ellen (Mark) Rudy, William Jolly, and Betty (Joseph) Champagne; grandchildren: Sherry, Stacey, John II, Jeremy, Matthew, Tiffany, Lucas, Zachary, Mark, and Courtney; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; as well as many other loving family members and dear friends.
Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband Keith; her parents; her son-in-law, Jeffrey Sickles; grandson, Jacob Sickles; great-grandson, Dakota Rudy; and sisters: Mary Ellen Reese, Margaret "Peggy" Waltz, and Dorothy "Dottie" Schmid.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 18, at 1:00 p.m. at McGeehan Funeral Homes – Keck-Coleman Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions in Jane's name may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.