Mary Jane Knowles

Mary Jane Knowles, age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Jack Knowles; her sisters Patty and Kathy; her brothers Mike and Jimmy; her parents, David and Catherine; and her dear mother-in-law, Evelyn.

Mary Jane Lanahan was born on February 26, 1949, in Plainfield, New Jersey, and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a large Irish Catholic family, where she developed a deep devotion to family and a lifelong calling to care for others. After losing both parents at a young age, Jane became the guardian of her younger sisters, a role that reflected the strength, compassion, and selflessness that would define her life.

Jane earned her nursing degree from Loyola University Chicago and devoted 45 years to her profession as a Registered Nurse. She spent the first half of her career in large metropolitan hospitals in Chicago, working in high-acuity settings including emergency care, critical care, ICU, and labor and delivery. The work that touched her most deeply during those years was caring for children and families in pediatric cancer care, an experience that remained close to her heart throughout her life. After relocating to Wisconsin in 1989, Jane continued to work wherever she was needed in small rural hospitals, providing hands-on care across many areas of medicine. She eventually concluded her career in nursing administration, bringing decades of experience, leadership, and compassion to her role. Both chapters of her career shaped her deeply and allowed her to touch countless lives.

In 1975, Jane married Jack Knowles, and together they shared 46 years of marriage. They raised three daughters and built a life rooted in love, partnership, and devotion to family. Jane and Jack were also owners of The Hillsboro Sentry Enterprise for 15 years. They worked together to help build a business founded on Jack's lifelong dream of owning a newspaper. This endeavor became a true family effort, supported by shared dedication and commitment. In her later years, Jane lovingly cared for Jack with the same devotion and compassion she showed to everyone in her life, and she deeply felt the loss of her partner when he passed away in 2022.

Jane is lovingly survived by her three daughters: Meg (Jeremy), Beth (Nate), and Amy (Adrian); and by her seven grandchildren, Brayden, Valerie, Grant, Sawyer, Oliver, Nora, and Penny, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride. She was a proud and loving grandmother who cherished her role as Nana.

Jane was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering care for others. Whether through her nursing career, her friendships, or her role within the community, she touched countless lives. Even in her final days, her gratitude, warmth, and gentle spirit remained constant. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and unconditional love.

A private memorial will be held at a later time. The family extends their sincere gratitude to all who shared in Jane’s life through friendship, work, and community.