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Jane D. Powers "Ma" Laureyns

1940 - 2025

Jane D. Powers "Ma" Laureyns obituary, 1940-2025, Pittsfield, MA

BORN

1940

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Dery Funeral Home

54 Bradford Street

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Jane Laureyns Obituary

Jane "Ma" D. Powers Laureyns, aged 84, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, with her beloved husband, Poppy - Richard V Laureyns, by her side.

She was born on December 28, 1940, in Lee, Massachusetts, to Thomas and Mary Powers.

Jane grew up in Lee, Massachusetts, and attended Lee Schools, where she met the love of her life, Richard Vail Laureyns. They shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, family, and community. Together, they raised four children while founding Frosty Refrigeration, which grew and expanded into Frosty Mechanical Contractors.

Jane served as the secretary and solely ran the answering service for customers, ensuring everyone who called was greeted with her warmth, professionalism, and quick wit. Her dedication, organization, and kindness helped set the foundation for the company's long-term success-all while managing the busy life of a devoted wife and mother.

Known affectionately as "Ma," Jane welcomed everyone with open arms and an open heart. She loved to cook for her family and host large holiday gatherings, where laughter, good food, and friendly teasing filled the room. She was a sharp and spirited card player, and though she claimed it was all luck, everyone knew she usually had a winning hand.

St. Patrick's Day was Jane's favorite holiday, a joyful celebration of her proud Irish heritage. She never missed an opportunity to don green, share stories, and make sure everyone around her joined in the fun.

Jane is survived by her beloved husband Richard V Laureyns; her children Richard M Laureyns (Barbara), Jeannie Laureyns Bell (David), and Sheila Furtney (Kristopher); and her daughter-in-law Maryanne Laureyns, wife of her late son Thomas Laureyns. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Laureyns, her sister, Anne Tarmey, and her brother, Thomas Powers.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to here favorite charity "The Dravet Syndrome Foundation" at https://dravetfoundation.org/donate/.

Jane will be remembered for her positive attitude, witty comebacks, snappy quips, and deep love of her family-qualities that filled every room she entered and will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In her honor, the family encourages everyone to wear green on St. Patrick's Day and celebrate life the way Jane always did-with warmth, laughter, and love.

Dery Funeral Home has been entrusted with her arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Dec. 17, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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Louie Airoldi

January 5, 2026

Dick and family,
Was saddened to read of Jane's passing. You are in my thoughts at this very trying time.

Siobhan Fusini

December 30, 2025

To the Laureyns Family:
On behalf of my husband Dennis and I, please accept our most sincere and deepest condolences for the passing of dear sweet Jane into eternity with her beloved son Tom and Jesus Christ as well as all those she cherished who have gone before her . Jane was my patient many years ago on the rehabilitation unit at BMC . I found myself drawn to her room , as her personality was so likable and charismatic. She endeared herself to me through her quick wit , sincerity and charming conversation. We bonded over stories about family , private business ownership , the Catholic religion and of course her beloved " TJ" whom I already knew , as he was my husband´s business neighbor, trusted colleague and savvy advisor for many years in Dalton . As a nurse for over 40 years , I will never ever forget a memorable situation with her : she needed IV access but she was a very " hard stick ". After multiple attempts , I stood by her side praying silently that the IV RN would be successful as Jane clutched a necklace with Tom´s fingerprint on it . As the IV catheter slid easily into her vein , a single drop of blood dropped onto the sheet in the clear form of a heart . We were both stunned to say the least . Jane asked me to take a photo of it and immediately send it to Mr Laureyns which was a testament to the precious bond they shared as husband and wife .

Requisite en pace Jane . I am sure all the angels and saints are enjoying your company as much as I did .

SMF

Ticia Cormier

December 22, 2025

I´m very sorry for your loss, Rick.

Sandra Vanbramer

December 21, 2025

Rick and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy Vanbramer

Shirley Gaudette

December 20, 2025

I remember Jane as a spirited, kind and fun loving woman. I´m so blessed to have known her through her daughter, Jeannie and all her children especially dear Zach whom I had the pleasure of working with for 16 years. Jane will be missed but her spirit will live on.
My deepest sympathies to all her family.

Kathy & Michael Fabrizio

December 20, 2025

Michael and I are so sorry to hear of Jane´s passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family. We will always remember her humor, her smile and the goodness of her heart. Sending our love Kathy & Michael Fabrizio

Dennis Gargan

December 19, 2025

My heart and prayers go out to the family! Jane was a special lady and will be missed !

Renee and Al Vincent

December 18, 2025

Rick and family my deepest condolences. Your mom was a very sweet and independent woman . Meeting her awhile back to talk about caregivers, she was more for getting the chair to go upstairs. May she rest in peace now, I believe she is in a better place now, even though we always want them here with us . Prayers for all of your family a this difficult time.

Joan & Tom Mougin

December 18, 2025

Many great memories at LHS

Joan & Tom Mougin

December 18, 2025

Dick and Family
Our sincere condolences for your loss.

Kathy Bianchi

December 18, 2025

Jeannie, I am sorry for your loss! May your memories comfort you always! I will keep you, your family and your mom in my prayers.

Pat Rotti Pritchard

December 17, 2025

How much time has passed since those precious days at Stearns? I´m sure your hearts are aching for Jane, Tommy, and those more simple times. May these memories and more bring you comfort and the warmth of gratitude.
Sincerely condolences and hugs.

Fr Mike

December 17, 2025

Thinking about you all and praying for you all too. What a kind and gracious lady. Fr Mike

Peter M Krupka

December 17, 2025

Sorry to see this. My condolences to you all.

Mary

December 17, 2025

Mr Laureyns, Rick, Jeannie, Sheila, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much Jane (Ma) meant to you and how much of her influence made you who you are. I´m so glad I had a chance to see her in the last couple of years. In our younger days spending much time with your family, your Mom was always so kind. I´ll always remember dinners at your home where prayers were genuinely expressed in thankfulness.
You are all in my heart and I pray for your strength to carry you through.

All my love
Mary (Guzman) Smith

Bill & Debbie Tobin. Spring Hill Florida

December 17, 2025

Dick,Ricky,Jeannie,Sheila,Maryanne, so sorry for your loss you are in our thoughts and prayers please accept our condolences

Patricia Bona

December 17, 2025

We will never forget all the laughs and wonderful memories we shared with Jane. She was a special person who was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Patsy and Adam Bona

vincent e paris

December 17, 2025

In the early 80s, I began my career at Frosty Mechanical. That´s where I met Jane-a truly special woman and the lifeblood of the office. She always wore a big smile and never failed to take a moment out of her day to ask how you were doing. She genuinely cared and had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

Over the years, Jane and I became good friends, always exchanging playful banter and the occasional practical joke. One prank in particular still makes me smile. One day, Dick gave Jane a dozen red roses. She proudly displayed them in a vase on her desk. After a few days, the roses began to wilt, so I decided to give them "new life." I took them out to the shop and spray-painted them glossy black. Honestly, they looked pretty sharp. Early the next morning, before Jane arrived, I carefully placed them back on her desk.

Later that morning, Jane came in with her usual bright smile and sat down at her desk. After a few moments, she asked, "Hey... do you smell something?"
"Nope," I said. "Don´t smell a thing."
A few minutes later, she asked again. Same answer.

Meanwhile, anyone who walked past her desk would stop and say, "What is that smell?" Hours went by before Jane finally tracked it down. When I walked back into the office, she looked straight at me and said, "You... you! You yooooooou! I´ll get you!" The look on her face was absolutely priceless.

That happened around 1990.

Now fast forward to a couple of years ago. Jane´s memory had begun to decline. I was helping Dick put his RV away for the winter when a friend of his pulled up to give him a ride home. Sitting in the passenger seat was Jane, wearing that same big, beautiful smile. She wasn´t able to roll down the window, so I walked over and opened the door. She lit up, pointed at me, and said, "You, you, you-I know you!" Vinny

Jennifer Billington

December 17, 2025

Jeannie... I am so very sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and loved ones. May memories fill your hearts with smiles and love. Jen (Spiewak) Billington

Dorothy DeBella

December 17, 2025

Rick, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother.

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Dery Funeral Home

54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

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