Jane Louise Wackell's Obituary
Jane Louise (Ryan) Wackell, 79, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away Monday May 17, 2021 with her family lovingly by her side. Jane was born in Webster, MA to James and Irene (Jewell) Ryan.
Jane’s passing was preceded by her brother Donald Ryan and niece Kathy Ryan. She is survived by her husband Robert Wackell; two sons David (wife Sumiyo Toribe) Wackell, and James (wife Erin Garwood) Wackell; daughter Pamela (partner Scot Donohue) Wackell; siblings Judith (Ryan) Lehman and husband Ralph, Dorothy (Ryan) Martinez and husband Robert, sister-in-law Patricia (Makulski) Ryan and their families; six grandchildren Tacent, Yula, and Koda (David Wackell), Kathryn (James Wackell), Daniel & Quinn (Scot Donohue), as well as countless family members and friends.
Growing up, Jane lived in Webster, MA and attended St. Louis Church every Sunday. Each week, after church, the Ryan family visited with their Grandparents. The children threaded buttons with a blunt needle to store them, but mostly to keep them busy during the visit. On Saturdays, Jane frequented the movie theatre in Webster where the cost for a movie was $.10. The family had no TV until the neighbors purchased one and were invited over to watch Howdy Doody Time.
The Ryan family spent summers in July at Gray’s Cabins on Webster Lake, accompanied by the Scott’s, Jewell’s and Austin’s. Many great childhood memories were formed there. Jane attended Bartlett High School and played clarinet for the high school band. She took an interest in sewing at an early age, and made it her Major at Nasson College, ME. After graduation, Jane moved to Worcester, MA and lived at the YMCA, working for Paul Revere.
Jane met her husband, Robert (Bob) Wackell of Worcester, MA in early 1963 and was soon after married in 1966. They said “we met in a revolving door and have been going around ever since.” Upon their wedding day, Jane and Bob settled into the small town of Millbury, MA on Singletary Lake, which was ideally located between both their parent’s homes. When the 1st of their 3 children was born in 1968, Jane decided to stay home and devote her time to raising the children; providing a warm, stable and loving environment. She balanced getting the kids ready for school, preparing lunches, and taking them to Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, Soccer, Baseball and various other activities. “It will be all better before you get married” was one of Jane’s favorite sayings if the children had a scrape or bruise. The days would always end with the family gathered around the table and a home cooked meal.
When the children were young, Jane worked as a seamstress. As a hobby she made clothes and Halloween costumes for them. Once the kids were in school full time, she decided to work at the Millbury Federated Church Nursery School. The two youngest children attended this nursery school and Jane assisted with many activities over the years prior to her employment. She enjoyed crafting, mentoring and positively influencing many children. She received thankful gifts and kind gestures from children and their parents over the years.
Jane also worked for Betatherm Corporation in Shrewsbury, MA and later worked for Fallon Community Health Plan in Worcester, MA as a Billing Representative into retirement. Jane made many close friends through work and kept in touch with them, even after retiring.
Family vacations were taken throughout the Northeast, including Lake Sebago and The White Mountains. Memorable summers were spent with her sister Dorothy and family, most notably at Lake George, Story Town and Six Gun City. They often visited with one another during the holidays.
Jane always loved the beach and ocean. She took her children to visit Aunt Bets & Uncle Al (Jewell) in Charlestown, RI where the family enjoyed quahauging and crabbing on Ninigret Pond. Her sister Judith and husband Ralph later built a house in Charlestown, which then hosted many family gatherings, incorporating delicious New England seafood, family stories, puzzle making, and laughter.
In the 80s, Jane’s brother Donald and wife Patricia purchased a townhome in North Topsail Beach, NC. Jane arranged a trip with the family to visit. She and Bob liked the area so much they decided to purchase a condo for themselves. This became a vacation spot and place of relaxation for the Wackells.
In 2003, Jane and Bob began to snowbird, living part time in Pompano Beach, FL. The two of them enjoyed the sunshine and taking walks on the beach to Hillsboro Lighthouse. Jane loved exercise class and easily made friends in the area. She spent time knitting blankets, sweaters, hats, and scarves for her kids and grandkids, and enjoyed sitting in the sand with a good book.
In 2011, Jane and Bob decided to permanently move to FL, settling in Punta Gorda, although they knew no one in the area at the time. Jane joined the YMCA and, again, easily made friends who were also from the New England area. Jane and Bob joined the Elks Club and enjoyed socializing with close friends and going out dancing on Friday nights. Jane loved to do “the twist”. She cherished facetime chats, pictures, videos and visits with her children and grandchildren.
Although Jane lived in FL, she enjoyed keeping in touch with old friends from MA and helped organize many high school class reunions. She even arranged mini-reunions with those friends who also migrated to FL.
Shortly after Jane and Bob moved to FL, Jane was diagnosed with kidney disease. Despite the disheartening news, Jane kept a positive attitude and continued to be active. She never complained, and once on dialysis she treated it as “her job”. She passed her treatment time by reading, doing crossword puzzles or playing words-with-friends. Jane remained a strong and inspiring woman through her final breath.
Jane will be missed dearly by family, friends and all who knew her. May those she touched continue to hold a piece of her close to their hearts.
Services and Celebrations of Jane’s life will be held in Punta Gorda, FL and Massachusetts.
Punta Gorda, FL:
Friday, June 18th, 2021 @ 11am-Noon
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
211 West Charlotte Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-639-3957 https://sacredheartfl.org/
Reception to follow:
Village Fish Market and Restaurant
1200 W Retta Esplanade Ste J36,
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-639-7959 http://www.village-fish-market.com/
Webster, MA
Friday, July 9th, 2021 @ 11am-Noon
St. Louis Church
15 Lake St
Webster, MA 01570
508-943-0240 https://stlouischurchwebster.org/
Reception to follow:
Point Breeze
114 Point Breeze Rd
Webster, MA 01570
508-943-0404 https://www.pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com/
Condolences may be sent to Robert Wackell at his home in Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made The National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/
What’s your fondest memory of Jane?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jane?
Share a story where Jane's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jane you’ll never forget.
How did Jane make you smile?
