Jane Elizabeth Hirling

Peacefully prepared, Jane Elizabeth Fitzmorris Hirling entered into eternal rest on Monday, October 2, 2023, with many of her family members by her side. She was 72 years young. A New Orleans native, she is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years Charles F. Hirling Jr.; her much-loved children Kelly Fouchi (Marc), Bradley Hirling (Melissa), Betsy Dobson (Geoffrey); grandchildren Tess Fouchi, Savannah Fouchi, Owen Hirling, Molly Hirling, Laney Dobson, and Lyla Dobson; sisters Patricia Danflous (Louis), Kathleen Fitzmorris, and Marjorie Qubty (Sam); sister-in-law Kathleen Oneil, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Audrey McDonald Fitzmorris and William O. Fitzmorris.

Jane demonstrated her talent as a seamstress at an early age, sewing clothes for herself (like her 1969 Rummel Homecoming Court suit), and for her family and childhood dolls. One of the first Barbie doll enthusiasts, Jane enjoyed sewing Barbie’s outfits, sought after Cabbage Patch dolls for school fair raffles, and later on themed costumes for her granddaughters' American Girl dolls. She continued using her sewing talents in many facets of her life. Her handmade clothes along with adult and children’s costumes, everyday use accessories, and unique baby items are treasured now and for generations to come. Her customized bibs were deemed “the best and favorite bibs” by countless new parents.

An Archbishop Chapelle graduate, Jane was active in a wide range of activities throughout her high school years. As a performer on-stage and a seamstress and props designer back-stage, she was a proud member of the Archbishop Rummel Genesian Players. Here she developed an interest in theatre that continued throughout her life, passing an appreciation for the arts to her children in complement with her husband’s talent and interest in music. Continuing her love for attending theater, she traveled almost yearly with her family to enjoy Broadway shows in New York, and most recently London’s West End, procuring an extensive Playbill collection. Jane was an avid supporter and enthusiastic audience member for all local theater and her grandchildren’s theatrical endeavors. She was honored with Rivertown Theaters’ “2016 Volunteer of the Year” Award.

An ardent fan of The Beatles, her love of the British sound extended to Herman’s Hermits and she was thrilled to have a face-to-face talk with Peter Noone several years ago.

It was shortly after high school graduation that Jane met the love of her life just weeks before he was heading out with the Air Force to Alaska. She was the maid of honor in her sister’s wedding and Charlie was the best man. They dated for 3 weeks before he left in July. The romance continued via mail and an occasional phone call for a year. Six weeks after his deployment, Charlie sent Jane a marriage proposal by telegram. She accepted and waited nine months for him to return. They were married in November 1970, six months after he returned home. Charlie often told Jane that he could get through any diversities, or trouble with work and life in general, as long as he had her by his side; and she always was. He continues to say that “she made me a better person.”

It was as a young wife and young mother that Jane truly blossomed. Her heart, filled with love and the utmost kindness, was the foundation for building a loving, family-first environment. A role model for patience, work ethic, commitment to education, and the ability to make a house a home is evidenced in her children, grandchildren, and the admiration of the many friends she has made over the years. Her creative stamp is everywhere in her home, garden and in the hearts of her family.

Jane’s career with the City of Kenner started when her children were older and retirement came when she became “Marmee,” after her first grandchild was born. She was and is a grandmother like no other, passionately involved in her 6 grandchildren’s everyday lives. Whether she was changing diapers, teaching how to ride a bike, sewing a costume at midnight, applauding their theatrical or dance performances, cheering from the bleachers at a baseball or football game, or coordinating travel adventures with her family of 14, she delighted in every second, and every new experience.

As her family grew and matured, Jane also found time to enjoy many other facets of life from playing Pickleball to participating in Mardi Gras organizations. She earned Master Gardener status and devoted many fun-filled volunteer hours with the City Park Greenhouse and Botanical Garden, serving as Secretary of the New Orleans Garden Society where she made many dear friends. Along with her husband, Jane was a strong supporter of the University of New Orleans Basketball team, traveling with the team on several occasions. She developed a late-in-life love for reading with a special interest in mysteries and World War II novels. She balanced those quiet reading times with gardening, travel, and a healthy living regimen which included a faithful bootcamp routine. (but didn’t skimp on her nightly treat - chocolate ice cream!)

Jane defines “gracious, strong and beautiful” – spiritually, physically and emotionally. She will be missed tremendously, but her legacy lives on. A selfless, thoughtful and giving matriarch, she passed on her wisdom and “golden rule” philosophy in everyday activities, and led by example. A true role model, Jane’s involvement and influence has and will continue to dramatically shape the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren.

Her family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all those who offered their continued interest and prayers during her illness. It brought great solace to see the far-reaching influence Jane had, cultivating a heartfelt and mutual admiration, among those whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Jane’s Life will be held Tuesday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park. Dress for the reception is casual and colorful. Packages of seeds to plant will be offered to all who attend, extending Jane’s passion for gardening. A butterfly release in the Garden is scheduled between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jane’s name to City Park’s beautification and preservation efforts (https://neworleanscitypark.org/support-your-park/donate/) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. (https://www.stjude.org/give.html)