Jane Lech Pryce

Jane Lech Pryce, a longtime resident of East Lansing, Michigan, passed away on July 17, 2026 at the age of 80. Jane was the third of three girls born to Peter and Anna Lech in Plainfield, New Jersey. Stories of her childhood involved cleaning the gutters with her Dad, running home to eat multiple egg salad sandwiches at lunch time, playing baseball with the neighborhood boys, listening to Polish polka music, and looking up to her two older sisters, Bernice and Ceil.

The first of her family to go to college, Jane attended Caldwell College for Women, where she served as Class President and built strong relationships with professors — despite, or perhaps because of, her reputation for running through the dormitory halls well past lights out. That same drive followed her into her career. A Math major, Jane was hired by IBM as a programmer at a time when there were few women working in the computer field, a testament to both her tenacity and bright mind. She went on to build a long and dedicated career as a Systems Analyst at Michigan State University, where her diligence, collaborative approach, and steady work ethic earned her the respect of colleagues for decades. She was committed to her career and modest about her many accomplishments.

Jane’s family was the center of her world. Jane was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was always happy to be a listening ear for her friends and loved ones. She was married to her husband, Bradford Pryce, for 55 years — a love characterized by fun and companionship, a welcoming home, shared respect, rich family traditions, and an abiding commitment. For the last twenty years, Jane and Brad enjoyed winters in Fort Pierce, Florida, hosting family and friends and celebrating life as part of the Ocean Village community.

Everyone who knew Jane knew her to be competitive through and through. Tennis, golf, pickleball, bridge, family board games — it didn't matter what the game was, Jane played to win, and she brought laughter and colorful memories to her competitors along the way. That same competitive spirit made her a devoted Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Spartans fan. She followed their teams with passion, offering unsolicited commentary on which coaches and players she found the most handsome.

Whether creating homemade Halloween costumes for her children or making her popular potato salad for barbecues, Jane's industriousness truly knew no bounds. She was also someone who showed up — for her family, neighbors, church, and community. She never missed a game or recital, and led the local Girl Scout troop. Jane coached softball, volunteered at Sparrow Hospital, and served as a Lector and choir member at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where she was a longtime parishioner. She was committed to her sisters and their families, and was quick to arrive if either needed a hand after a surgery or during a hard stretch. Whatever needed doing, Jane was there.

Jane is survived by her husband, Bradford Pryce; her three children, Matthew Pryce (Sharon Swiderek Pryce, Canton, MI), Julia Pryce (Heriberto Soto, Oak Park, IL), and John Pryce (Sheila Nolan Pryce, Rochester, NY); and her nine grandchildren, who inherited more than a little of her competitive fire and, as children, looked forward to circling around Grandma at night to listen to her read to them. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who treasured her support and role in the family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Peter Lech, and her two sisters, Cecelia Payne and Bernice Kephart.

Jane will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her warm hospitality, her deep devotion as a wife and mother, and her willingness to show up for those who needed her. She lived her life with joy and humility, and will live on in the lives of those blessed enough to know her. In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to charitable causes important to Jane, including Catholic Charities (catholiccharities.org), Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/), and Sparrow Hospice Services (UofMHealthSparrow.org/Give).

Visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, July 30th from 5-8 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home at 1730 E Grand River Ave. in East Lansing, Michigan. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Jane’s honor at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish at 915 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI on Friday, July 31st at 11 am (informal visitation starting at 10 am), followed by a light luncheon at 12:30 pm at the University Club at 3435 Forest Rd in Lansing, MI.

We look forward to this time with Jane’s family and community of friends to share favorite stories of her and celebrate a life well lived.