Jane

Wilma “Jane” Pierce drifted off this mortal world on Saturday, February 11, 2023. She

was born on June 7, 1940, to Emmaline (Burch) and William Pierce. Her early years

were spent in Upland, Indiana, where she went to Jefferson High School and graduated

in 1958. When she decided to be a nurse, it came as no surprise to her parents and

those who knew her. Jane had a gift for serving others. She attended the IU School of

Nursing and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree. She moved around a bit, then

settled in Oakland, CA, where she spent the rest of her working years, and made many

friends.

If she left this world with any good advice, it is this: “Life is short. Do things that interest

you. Love your family and your friends. Live your life on your own terms and have fun

doing it”. She loved to travel, and went all over this interesting world, both as a tourist

and as a nurse providing medical care in underserved countries. She was in Greece for

the Olympics. She traveled from the mountains in Nepal to the jungles of Costa Rica to

the far reaches of Africa, the shores of Hawaii, to Viet Nam, to China and lots of places

in between. Her last trip was to Cuba, where she observed their nursing practices and

lent a hand where she was needed. She also learned to scuba dive and sail from the

Coast Guard, both of which she enjoyed at home in California and during her trips.

When she entered Heaven, she was reunited with her Mother and Daddy, as well as her

big sister, Sally and little sister, June. There were several waiting for her arrival,

including grandparents, many aunts, an uncle, cousins, friends and two little nephews

who went before her. She is survived by her brother, John, nieces Cathy Smith (David),

and Debby Huffman, as well nephews Tom Huffman (Kim), and Tim Huffman, and

several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed,

She was there.

To witness humanity—its beauty, in good times and bad.

She was there.

To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope,

She was there.

In choosing her favorite piece of candy from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates,

She was there.

During the last several months of her life, Jane just wanted to go home, but would say

that she did not know the way. Now, it is time for her to be at the Lord’s side. She found

the way.

She is there.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland, IN 46989. A visitation will be on Saturday , February 18, 2023 from 11:00-1:00 P.M., with a service to follow at 1:00 P.M..

Memorial contributions can be made out to the Alzheimer's Association 50 E 91st St #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 or the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023 in memory of Wilma Jane Pierce.