Jane Gilbert

Jane Gilbert, 83, passed away unexpectedly early Sunday morning, July 24, 2011, peacefully in her sleep. Born January 30, 1928, in Shenandoah, she was the daughter of the late Cloyd and Lotta Jane (Greenawalt) Berry. She graduated from Madison High School in 1946 and was a head majorette while there. On July 15, 1950, she married Howard Gilbert with whom she celebrated 61 years of love and commitment. Jane lived in Mansfield all her life and after graduation, she worked in the office of the Invoice Department at Westinghouse Electric for eight years. She was a stay at home mom until her son began school. She then worked for the Mansfield City Schools for 34 years-first at Carpenter Elementary as secretary to the Principal, then at Mansfield Senior High as secretary to the Principal. She finished her career at the Mansfield Board of Education as secretary to the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. Jane was a member of the First Christian Church and served as a greeter for many years.

Jane was active in all of her son's activities throughout his school years, serving on PTA, as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Home Room mother, and Tyger Mom (football and basketball). She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in their school athletic activities. Jane was a Tyger Booster for many years, even after her son's graduation. She enjoyed traveling and went on many trips with Freedom Years. Jane also enjoyed playing cards with her friends at Bridgewater and spending time at the pool. While employed at Westinghouse, she enjoyed bowling as a member of the Westinghouse League. Jane and her husband, Howard, enjoyed dancing throughout their 61 years of marriage and she loved her time spent each summer at Gem Beach on Lake Erie.

Jane is survived by her loving husband, Howard; son, Scott (Heather) Gilbert of Lexington; grandson, Drew (Cristen) Gilbert of Lexington; granddaughter, Aubin (Mike) D'Andrea of Avon Lake, OH; great-granddaughter, Diem Gilbert; a sister-in-law, Vivian Gilbert of Mansfield; a brother-in-law, Richard Gilbert of Newark; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by three brothers, Arthur, Dale and Ralph Berry; and six sisters, Dorothy Osbourne, Donna Hrivanak, Isabel Berry, Pauline Cox, Lois Hess and Lucille Berry.

Friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A funeral service will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Chris Whitehead officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Contributions honoring Jane's memory may be made to First Christian Church, 200 W. 3rd St., Mansfield, OH 44902.