Jane Ann Benouis

A Life of Love, Dedication, and Service to her community.

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Jane Ann Wade Benouis, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend. ‘Janie’ departed from this world on July 5th at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, generosity, and countless memories that will forever remain in our hearts.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 17th in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1938. Jane was the cherished daughter of Col. James Wade and Jessie Wade. As an "Army Brat," she grew up on bases across the country and around the world. She later earned her BA from Auburn University in 1960, where she was an Alpha Gamma Delta sister, and Fulbright Scholar.

Jane's scholarship took her to France to study at the University of Toulouse, where she met the love of her life, Mustapha Kemal Benouis. They married at St. Wilfrid's in 1961.

After enduring the heart-wrenching loss of their first child, Leila Jane, the couple eventually settled in Hawaii, where they raised their family. Though Jane had the talent to succeed in various careers, her true passion was education. She chose to be a substitute teacher, which allowed her to focus on her family while still nurturing young minds. Beyond this, Jane volunteered for the more difficult challenge of helping underserved children who needed extra support. Despite her full-time commitment to her family, she found time to lead Cub Scouts, teach Sunday school, help found and run AYSO soccer for many years, and be an Alpha Gam big sister.

Family and Personal Life

Jane's greatest pride and joy were her family. She was the devoted wife of Kemal, with whom she shared a loving marriage for 64 years. Together, they raised three wonderful sons: Ian, James, and Keith. Although Keith passed away in 2022, his memory lives on in our hearts. Though Jane experienced loss in her family, her resilience and unwavering support for those she loved were a testament to her strength and character.

As a mother, Jane was nurturing, supportive, and always present. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of integrity, hard work, and self-reliance.

Jane's role as a grandmother brought her immense joy, and she treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, Elijah, Leila, Iman, Joshua, Jacob, and Noah, who affectionately called her ‘Tutu’ and held her dear in their hearts. Additionally, she shared a special bond with her daughter-in-law Rea, the wife of James.

In 2000, Jane and Kemal settled in Marion, where she continued to serve her community with unwavering dedication. Bringing her Aloha spirit from Hawaii, she volunteered at Cross Ties, the Marion library, and was a parishioner of St. Wilfrid's Episcopal Church. She was also passionately committed to her support for the Marion Military Institute.

Jane Ann Wade Benouis will be remembered not only for her outgoing personality, generous heart, and tenacity, but also for her quick wit and sometimes playful sarcasm. Those who knew her well appreciated her ability to call out nonsense with her sharp wit, and while always poised and classy, she was never afraid to add a colorful word when the situation called for it.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the incredible life she led and the indelible mark she left on this world. Jane's memory will forever be a beacon of love, guiding us to live our lives with the same grace, compassion, dedication, and vigor that she so effortlessly embodied.

Funeral Services

A celebration of Jane's life will be held on July 12 at 10am at St. Wilfrid’s. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Marion Military Institute in Jane's honor.

Though she may no longer be with us in body, Jane's spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. We find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who passed before her, and forever watching over us with love.

Rest in peace, dear Jane. Your legacy of love and kindness will live on forever.