Jane E. Conlin

Jane E. (King) Conlin
WORCESTER - Jane E. (King) Conlin of Worcester, formerly of Framingham, passed away peacefully with her loving family and her devoted husband, Len, by her side on March 2, 2013.
Jane was born in Holden, daughter of Dr. John E. and Elizabeth (Keenan) King, and grew up in Worcester. The family moved to Framingham from Northboro in 1970 and resided in Framingham for 32 years. Jane returned to Worcester 11 years ago with her husband. They joyfully and seamlessly made a new nest at Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community where extended family and friends, both old and new, frequently flocked. Jane was a graduate of the former Ascension High School in Worcester and Trinity College ('47), now known as Trinity Washington University, in Washington, D.C. Jane earned an internship at the Washington Post where she honed her skills as a journalist. She went on to work as a writer for the Worcester Telegram and the Catholic Free Press. She later earned her Master's degree in education at Worcester State University and began her career in education in the Oxford Public School system. After raising her seven children, she returned to education in the Framingham Public Schools as a valued reading and writing teacher within the Title 1 program before retiring in 1995. Jane was very active in advocating for those with special needs and collaborated with parents of the disabled and State agencies to bring positive change for the disabled. She helped found support groups for parents of newly born special needs children. Her advocacy continued as one of the founding members of a public/private partnership that brought together families to build a home for their adult children with special needs.
Jane, affectionately known as "Mimi", had many passions in her life including literature, poetry, music, laughter and the ocean. She was an incredible cook who could single- handedly feed an army. Jane was well known for showering family and friends with thoughtful hand-written letters and cards that remain treasured by all. Her biggest passion of all was her family. She was a loving source of beauty and grace and a cherished matriarch. She was a faithful member of St. Christopher's Parish.
She leaves her husband of 53 years, Leonard M. Conlin; seven children, Leonard M. Conlin Jr. and his wife Susan of Marblehead, John F. Conlin and his wife Karen of Norfolk, Jane A. Pappalardo and her husband William of Woburn, W. Timothy Conlin and his wife Vania of Framingham, Elizabeth Cronin and her husband James of Hudson, James P. Conlin of Marlborough, and Mary P. Soderberg and her husband Scott of Uxbridge; 15 loving grandchildren, many adoring nieces and nephews. Her son, Joseph W. Conlin, died in 1964. She was also predeceased by her three brothers, John E., Francis L. and Thomas H. King, and her sister, Elizabeth Moynagh.
Calling hours are Wednesday, March 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Thursday, March 7 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Leicester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester 01606, or Notre Dame Hospice, 557 Plantation St., Worcester 01605.