Jane Elizabeth Karber

Jane Elizabeth Karber (October 13, 1945 – April 12, 2026), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted educator, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, compassion, love of family, and a lifelong dedication to children.

Jane was born on October 13, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Margaret and James Donoghue, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert “Bob” Karber; her amazing nephew, Josh Dever; and her dear friend, “Grandma” Marilyn Michalak.

Above all else, Jane was a proud and devoted mother, a role she cherished most deeply. Her life was centered around her family, and she loved nothing more than spending time with them—whether that meant cheering enthusiastically at a sporting event she didn’t quite understand or declaring that “the roads are closed” when one of her out-of-town children was heading home. She was an extraordinary mom, grandmother, and aunt, always present with unconditional love, patience, and encouragement.

Jane is survived by her children: Susan “Sue” Karber; Elizabeth “Betsy” Broglin and her husband, Brian; and Michael Karber and his wife, Brooke Anthony. She was a proud and loving grandmother—“Grandma” to Emma and Hannah Broglin, and “Nana” to Samuel and Ethan Karber—who brought her immense joy and were the light of her life. Jane was also a loving dog-grandmother to Fergie, Lacey, and Shadow.

She is also survived by her siblings: Judy Dever and her husband, Walt; and Jim Donoghue and his wife, Violet. Jane leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, including Julie Strasser, Jeff Dever (Rachel), Amy Odglen (Rex), Jamie Donoghue (Holly), Jason Donoghue, and Justin Donoghue, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved deeply.

Jane’s life was a reflection of her gentle spirit and unwavering care for others. She began her teaching career in the Detroit Public School District and went on to spend many years as an elementary school teacher in the East Detroit Public School District, where she primarily taught kindergarten. To generations of young students, she was more than a teacher—she was a source of warmth, encouragement, and steady guidance during some of their most formative years. Her classroom was a place where every child felt seen, valued, and loved. Jane had an extraordinary ability to nurture confidence and curiosity, and her impact extended far beyond academics.

Her kindness was not confined to the classroom; it defined every aspect of her life. Jane had a natural gift for making others feel at ease, offering comfort, support, and quiet generosity to family, friends, and even strangers. She approached life with patience and grace, always putting others before herself.

Jane will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan, on Thursday, April 16. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Jane will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her boundless compassion, her gentle strength, her love of “Uppa-North” and traveling, her disarming wit, and the countless lives she touched through her teaching, her caring spirit, and her love. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, her students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in Jane’s honor: https://www.cancer.org/donate.html