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Jane built a meaningful professional life around helping and teaching.

Jane Elizabeth Hartley, née Collins, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on October 20, 2026. She was born on March 14, 1940, in Providence, Rhode Island, and lived a life marked by service, strength, devotion to family, and deep care for others.

Jane built a meaningful professional life around helping and teaching. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education and went on to teach third grade for more than 30 years, a career she considered one of her proudest accomplishments. Before that long and faithful work in the classroom, she also served as a medical-surgical nurse for four years, bringing compassion and steadiness to those in her care.

Her life of service also included honorable military duty. Jane completed the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course in 1970 and served as an Army nurse from 1970 to 1974. She served in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer with the rank of Captain, and she was especially proud of that chapter of her life. During her service, she was stationed in the Republic of Vietnam from September 1, 1971, through August 31, 1972, with the 24th Evacuation Hospital. Her service was recognized with the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device. After completing her first full term of service, she was honorably released from active duty at the end of her commitment.

Outside of her work, Jane found happiness in the simple and lasting comforts of home. She loved gardening and filled her garden with hydrangeas. She also enjoyed baking, and her apple pie became the kind of family favorite that is remembered with both smiles and longing. To those who knew her best, she made the best apple pie in the family. She was a loving mother whom everyone wanted as a mom, and she had a strong, honest spirit—stubborn in the best way, always willing to say exactly what she thought.

In retirement, Jane continued giving back by volunteering at the Fairview Public Library, another source of pride in a life defined by usefulness, generosity, and connection. Her warmth reached far beyond her immediate family; friends also called her Mom, a reflection of the comfort, guidance, and welcome she gave so naturally.

Jane is survived by her children, Sarah Hartley and James Hartley; by Mark and Louisa; by her grandchildren, Emily and Ben; by her friend Margaret; by her cousins Kevin and Paul; and by Danny, Mel, and Marcus, all of whom were part of the circle of people who loved her and will miss her dearly. Each of them carries forward memories of her strength, her honesty, her care, and the unmistakable love she gave in her own direct and steadfast way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Collins and Helen Collins.

Visitation will be held on October 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Maple Street, NY 13760. A funeral service will be held on October 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 805 Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. A graveside service will take place at Riverside Cemetery, 1200 River Road, Beaver, Pennsylvania 15009, where military funeral honors will be presented. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, next to her father.

Jane Elizabeth Hartley will be remembered for her courage, her devotion to children and family, her proud military service, and the love she poured into everyday life. Her garden, her classroom, her kitchen, and her care for others all stand as part of the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.