Jane Teresa Watkins

Jane Teresa Miaso was born in Chicago on April 15, 1929, to Sofia Niemiec and Walter Miaso,both immigrants from southeast Poland. She grew up with loving siblings Stella (Hudak), WalterJr. (Jed), John, and Dolores (Werner). Jane worked through high school and college as aswitchboard operator at the phone company in order to earn a teaching degree at thenNorthern Illinois State Teachers College (now NIU). ANer graduaOon, she traveled to Molokai,Hawaii, to teach school on the Navy base. She met Charles N. (Chuck) Watkins, another Illinoistransplant; they married and moved first to Oahu and then to Kauai. Children Nancy (Jack) Milesand the late James Watkins were born there. Chuck's pineapple career took them next toArecibo, Puerto Rico, where Jane taught school at Colegio Evangelico Capitán Correa and thenfor DODS at Ramey AFB in Aguadilla. While there, Jane earned her Master's degree at InterAmerican University. When Ramey downsized, Jane began teaching at the elementary school atRoosevelt Roads Naval Air StaOon in Ceiba, PR. Chuck was growing pineapple in Thailand bythen, so once Nancy and James were in college, Jane went with DODS to Nuremberg, Germany,where she taught school for another 15 years. While in Europe, she was able to travel to manycountries.

ReOrement took her to Sedona, AZ, a place she loved and where her younger sister Dee lived. Always wanOng to stay busy, Jane worked for some years at an independent theater known forits large screen and special showings of Sedona films. Over the years she also worked at an Innowned by her sister and at the local Holiday Inn. Bridge was a lifelong love, and she saved heraNernoons for several bridge groups.

In 2014, Jane made the decision to move to Winter Park, FL, to be closer to her daughter andson-in-law. She was welcomed by their circle of friends and became busy with bridge, pouringtea at The Woman's Club, and reading 3-4 books per week. Many trips to New York City werealso a part of her Florida life. Three years ago, Jane moved into The Grove at Trelago AssistedLiving program and found a community of social Ome and caring staff and residents.

Jane was predeceased by her son James, his son Charles Bedell, and two nephews. She leaves agranddaughter, Jess Miles of NYC, and granddaughters Amber King, Sterling White, and KaOeCulpepper, and several great-grandchildren.

Our thanks to friends near and far who have meant so much to Jane.