Jane Escudero

The youngest girl of six siblings, Jane’s intelligence, determination, and joyful spirit were evident from an early age. As a young girl in Puerto Rico, she impressed everyone around her with her quick mind, even winning a televised competition show similar to Jeopardy!, taking home the top prize. She was also naturally athletic—always running around the house, doing flips and somersaults in the yard, despite never having taken a single gymnastics class.

Education was both her passion and her vocation. Jane loved being a teacher and took great pride in her work in the classroom. She went above and beyond for her students, always seeking ways to engage and inspire them. An avid reader, she even took on assignments right along with her class, including reading the Harry Potter series so she could better connect with her students and what they loved.

Jane was a devoted and loving mother who poured her heart into giving her children a rich and meaningful upbringing. She spoiled them in all the best ways—ensuring they received a Catholic school education, sending them to summer camps, and making sure they spent every summer in Puerto Rico visiting family and staying connected to their culture. Those trips helped instill in them a deep appreciation for their roots, traditions, and heritage.

Family memories with Jane are abundant and treasured. Willie remembers countless bonding moments with his mom: traveling together to Puerto Rico, trips to Great Adventure, going to WrestleMania, ice skating at Prospect Park, going to the movies, and the simple joy of her buying him toys. More than the activities themselves, it was the time together that meant everything. He shares that he had “the best relationship” with his mother—one built on love, laughter, and unwavering support.

Jane taught her children to value their education, to compete in life, to always try, and to never give up. She was their constant support through good times and bad. They shared a special game where they would try to make the other person laugh—if you laughed, you lost. Of course, the best part was when they both “broke” and ended up laughing so hard together they could hardly breathe. Those moments of joy and connection live on vividly in their hearts.

She also passed down a love of all things feminine and fun. Jane taught her daughter how to be a “girly girl”—taking her to the salon, going clothes shopping together, and sharing an affection for beautiful jewelry. Those everyday rituals became cherished traditions of mother–daughter bonding.

Outside of her family and career, Jane had a generous heart and a spirit of service. She was a faithful supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, always giving what she could to help children in need. She also loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit Chile, Mexico, and many places throughout the United States, collecting memories and experiences along the way.

After a dedicated career, Jane retired in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of students whose lives she touched and shaped. In retirement, she continued to cherish time with her family, her books, and her faith.

Jane’s life will be honored with a Funeral Mass at St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church,1634 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

A committal service will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery,

52 Tyler Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Jane will be remembered as a brilliant, kind, and devoted woman—a loving mother, a dedicated teacher, a proud Puerto Rican, and a generous soul who gave much more than she ever asked in return. Her lessons, laughter, and love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.