Jane Stepanski

Jane H. Stepanski

WORCESTER - Jane Helen (Wilczynski) Stepanski, age 93, of Tatnuck Park of Worcester, died peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2014 in her home.

She leaves her husband of 71 years, Matthew P. Stepanski, Sr., her daughter, Patricia Stepanski Plouffe and her husband John Paul R. Plouffe of Worcester; her son, Matthew P. Stepanski, Jr., of Hubbardston, MA.; her grandson, Matthew H. Stepanski of New York City, her sister, Mary Szkutak of Millbury, MA; her nephew, Anthony F. Stepanski and his wife Jane E. Stepanski of Westfield, New Jersey, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Jane was born in Worcester, the daughter of Stanley and Helen Wilczynski. She was raised in Millbury. She was preceded in death by six brothers: Chester, Henry, Charles, Seaman 2/C Theodore, Stanley and Edward, and her sister, Irene.

Jane was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish for more than 50 years. During this time, she taught Christian Doctrine, enjoyed being in the Women's Guild and was a leader of the Girl Scouts. She and her husband were supporters of the building of the new church in the late 1950s. She also loved helping to host the annual visiting World War II Ninth Army Division veterans at the church for many years.

She was a former volunteer at Assumption College; served on the Board of the YWCA; and was Chairwoman of the Library Committee as a member of the Memorial Hospital Aide Society. She also treasured her membership at the Worcester Art Museum, Tower Hill, and especially her life membership with the Music Guild. She was a former member of Nereids of the YWCA. Jane loved being a member of "The Dilettantes", a women's social group established for friendship, fun and cultural education.

An avid reader who easily read seven books a week, Jane also enjoyed bridge, playing the piano, embroidering, creating afghans and travel. Having lunch with her closest friends was a highlight of her life. She was an excellent cook and hostess and often visited a friend with food in hand. She had a generous heart and created friendships that lasted her whole adult life.

Jane was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family, vacationing and living at the Cape, and adored her own Cape Cod cottage in West Dennis, gifted to her by her husband as a surprise.

Jane's family would like to acknowledge the excellent care given to Jane in her last years by Dr. Michael Galica, the staffs at Tatnuck Park and Goddard House, as well as the hospice personnel, volunteers and private healthcare aides.

Calling hours are Monday, December 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Tuesday, December 9 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.

Please omit flowers. Remembrances may be sent to Hope Lodge, 7 Oak Street, Worcester, MA 01609.