Jane Stapleton

When reflecting on the life of Jane Stapleton it is easy to see that one does not need a lot of money in order to find happiness. In fact, she illustrated for her children through the life she created that money does not buy fun, rather fun is created in the simple things, the traditions, and the time shared among loved ones. Jane treasured caring for her family and did so in such a tender-hearted way. She was blessed to share much of her lifetime with her one true love and was so proud of the generations that sprang forth from their love story. Jane was a classy and fashionable woman with a tender heart and a gentle spirit that will be forever cherished.

The year 1922 was a memorable one in America for many reasons. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., the first formal action into the investigation of the Teapot Dome Scandal was initiated, and a challenge to the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was rejected. It was also during this year that in Rochester, New York, Anthony and Florence (Hewitt) Fuhrman were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Jane, on December 13th. Jane’s father worked as a salesman within the interior design field - his job relocating their family to Grand Rapids, Michigan while Jane was still quite young. She was raised as the youngest of three girls in the family home on the lower west side near Sibley and Bridge Streets. Jane attended Sibley Elementary and her family was members at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located in downtown Grand Rapids. She was introduced to tragedy at a young age with the death of her father when she was just 17. Jane attended Union High School where she was active in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). She went on to graduate in 1940.

It was during her younger years that Jane established a lifelong love for sun, sand, and warm weather. She often loved heading to Grand Haven along Lake Michigan where she hung out with her friends. According to Jane, nothing beat enjoying the warm weather outside.

With high school behind her, Jane took a job with R.C. Allen, manufacturer of general aviation aircraft instruments, which soon brought her more than just a paycheck. It was there that she met a co-worker named Jerry Stapleton who winked at her one fateful day. With that, Jane was hooked and the couple began a dating relationship. They were engaged at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Grand Rapids and married at St. James Catholic Church on January 9, 1943 while Jerry was home on a 3-day pass from the service. He remained in the military until the end of WWII.

Once the couple was reunited, they initially lived in Champaign, Illinois where Jane had many close friends. They were soon blessed with a total of five children over a 13 year period, and they moved back to Grand Rapids where they raised their family. Jane was an extraordinary mother who was easy going while Jerry served as the disciplinarian. She would wake her children so quietly and gently in the mornings, and was the “pretty mom” as she always looked her best. The main cornerstone in the Stapleton family was fun. They never had a lot of money for extravagant activities, but that didn’t matter. They had fun just spending family time together and creating family traditions. They often had breakfast on the beach and stayed all day long where Jane satiated her love for the sun. They also rented a cabin for a week, often on Hess Lake in Newaygo County where many happy memories were made. Sundays usually found their family at Aunt Virginia’s house after church, and a regular family meal was hamburgers and potato salad. Jane enjoyed cooking for her family and was most famous for her mouth-watering apple crisp.

In addition to caring for her family, there were a variety of other interests that Jane enjoyed. After her children were in school she took a job as a clerk at Steketee’s and Herpolsheimer’s where she was able to satiate her love for fashion. She was such a classy lady who always wore makeup and looked just so. Jane also enjoyed walking, regularly at Blandford Nature Center, and she additionally loved to tend to her flower garden. She had a weakness for anything chocolate, even stashing it all over the house! Jane enjoyed reading, mainly novels, and was very up to date on current events and politics. She even had Barack Obama picked as an up and coming politician many years ago, and was proud to be a staunch democrat. Jane was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Jerry in 1984. She was a bit lost as they did everything together, but she continued to pass her time reading and looking forward to seeing her family. Jane babysat her grandchildren regularly, and gathering with her family for the holidays were among her most treasured moments.

Jane Stapleton was a special woman whose grace and elegance were hard to miss. She lived a vibrant life full of numerous interests and passions, but first and foremost in her life was always the time she spent with her family. Jane remained abreast of the current events around her and had a deep hunger for reading. She loved the warm summer sun throughout her entire life, and it will be her warm and loving demeanor that will be so dearly missed by all those who held her dear. Although her family and friends say goodbye for now, they take comfort in knowing that she has completed her earthly journey.

Jane Stapleton of Grand Rapids died on November 10, 2009. Jane’s family includes her children, James (Martha) Stapleton, Maureen (Lawrence) Mikulski, Mary Jane (William) Link, Patrick (Mary) Stapleton, and Colleen (Scott) Lubenow; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; her sisters, Virginia and Anthea; and all of her brothers and sisters-in-law. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at St. James Catholic Church, 733 Bridge St. NW. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods or Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.