Obituary of Jane B. Siegel

Jane B. Siegel, 72, of Morris Township, NJ passed away recently after a long illness. Jane is survived by Steven, her loving husband of 48 years, daughters Lori (Jared) Rabinowitz and Dana (Bret) Kleppinger and 4 grandchildren, Sophie and Samantha Rabinowitz and Nessa and Archie Kleppinger. Jane was the daughter of the late Sidney and Evelyn Blaufeld of Silver Spring, Maryland, where she grew up. She received a B.S. Degree from Boston University in Mathematics, and a Master’s Degree in Counselling from Seton Hall University. Jane and Steve married in 1972 when Steve was at Harvard Law School. Jane worked at Harvard College until Steve graduated, and then they moved to New Jersey. Before her children were born, Jane worked as an admissions officer for Seton Hall University. After becoming a Mom, Jane remained at home caring for her two daughters. She was a totally involved and committed mother. Nothing she needed to do for her family was ever too much for her to accomplish. Her gentle but firm advice was often preceded by her saying, “I had a thought…” She always made time to be an active volunteer for a number of projects, including playing cello in the Delbarton Orchestra, directing Great Books in her daughters’ schools, chairing several successful fundraising Casino Nights for Women’s American Ort, volunteering at Morristown High School in the Guidance Office and, along with daughter Dana, creating the Intergenerational Prom at Morristown High School. Jane balanced family with working when she took a part-time job with Novartis. When the family nest was empty, Jane became a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, a position she held for the remainder of her life. She loved working in real estate and found rewarding friendships with clients and colleagues, and won many honors for her work. She was named to the Gold, Silver and Bronze Circles of Coldwell Banker agents throughout her career. She was particularly proud of the many unsolicited praises she received from the buyers and sellers she represented. Jane and Steve travelled all over the United States and the world – visits included Asia, Europe, Israel, Africa, Central and South America. Many of the trips involved the whole family – and unforgettable adventures and warm memories were created. She loved theater, concerts and symphonies – and there were many trips into New York City and locally to enjoy a wide variety of shows. Jane was blessed with the gift of making and keeping friends. An only child, she made many friends that became her “sisters”, including Ellen Rose, Naomi Granvold, Leenie Glickman and Margi Bean. Her cousin, Sharon Huber, was an especially close relationship. Friends made during childhood became friends for life. There was always time for Scrabble and Mahjongg games and supportive conversations with friends needing a helpful word. She had great affection for her sons-in-law, treating them as the sons she never had, and was beyond excited at becoming a grandmother of four. Steve, Lori and Dana agree that Jane made each of them a better person. Her passing is deeply regretted and she will be missed by many – family and friends – and anyone else who came into contact with her. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to charity in Jane’s memory is suggested to consider the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.