Jane R. Baskin

Jane Reynolds Baskin, 98, of Largo, Florida, peacefully passed away on Friday, August 27th, 2021. She was born on January 24th, 1923 in Racine, Wisconsin to the late Frank and Mary (Morey) Reynolds. She moved to Pittsburgh with her family during the Depression in 1930’s.

Jane graduated in 1941 from Perry High School and worked at Kaufman’s Department store in downtown Pittsburgh until 1943. Jane was the example of integrity, grace and courage and joined the United States Marine Corps. She served honorably during World War II.

Jane worked at the Marine Corps’ temporary offices, built on the mall in Washington, DC. She marched in the funeral procession of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

After serving her country, In 1946 Jane worked as an executive assistant for the president of Maxwell House Hotels in Pittsburgh. Jane met and married Bill Smith in 1948. During their 14-year marriage, Jane held several positions including years working at the Pentagon. Jane moved to Florida in 1960 with her two sons where she successfully worked in the Interior decorating field as a wall covering specialist of her own business. Jane retired in 1987 and spent her retirement years traveling throughout the United States and Europe, often with her family. In her youth Jane loved dancing and roller skating. In retirement she developed a passion for gardening, dog racing and fine dining.

She was survived by two sons, Terry (Elizabeth) Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina, and William “Jeff” Smith of Dallas, Texas. In addition, Jane left behind her devoted and loving grandchildren Mallory Smith, Will Smith and Jack Smith. Nephews Gary Grimes and Ron (Jacque) Grimes. Niece Gail (Roger) Zittel. She survived the deaths of her brother and sister Robert Reynolds of Pittsburgh and her beloved grandson Corey Smith.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Wednesday September 1, 2021 at 11am

at the H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Hwy Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Burial at Uniondale Cemetery at 1pm with full military honors.