Jane Ann Sheffy

FITCHBURG-Jane Ann (Shedivy) Sheffy of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Stevens Point, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015. She had recently celebrated her 70th birthday with friends and family on Oct. 11, 2015. Jane had many reasons to celebrate. She lived a vital active life that took her to many interesting parts of the world. Born to Mildred (Ouradnik) and a young Air Force Lieutenant Paul Shedivy, her first cross-country trip was in utero on a train from Glenview, Calif., to Kewaunee, Wis. Mildred wanted to give birth to her firstborn child in her home community. Jane spent her early years with her military family in the mountains of Japan. Blond-haired little Janie was a curiosity as the only Caucasian child on base. Within four years, sister Susie arrived in Fukuoka. Then brother, Paul (Ricky) a year later in Shreveport, La. Tours of duty took the family to Arizona, Florida, and Kansas where baby Stevie was born. Many summers and Christmases were spent with Grandma and Grandpa at their retired farm and cheese factory near Kewaunee. Jane met her future husband, Tom when they were freshmen at Casco High School near Kewaunee while the family was staying for one semester with Jane's grandparents. Her father prepared a home for them at Chelveston Air Force Base in England where Jane attended an American boarding school at Mildenhall Air Force Base several hours away. She graduated from high school near Toule Rosiere, France. Jane attended UW-Madison and UW-Stevens Point, graduating with a teaching degree. She taught home economics in Madison at East High School, Georgia O'Keefe Middle School, Sherman Middle School and then came out of retirement to teach at Middleton High School and Stoughton High School. Jane made many lasting friends through her professional life. Jane's interests included cooking, baking, creating a new jello for every holiday, sewing, relaxing at the family cottage in Dykesville, and sharing the company of dogs, Kayla, Jake, and Pepper. Jane had a passion for horses; teaching her children to ride and care for Pascal, Eddie, and Happy instilled in them an interest in animals and farm life. An avid gardener, Jane grew many vegetables, fruit, and flower beds which she enjoyed sharing with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted follower of Landmark Education, a supporter of Oregon Area Progressives and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, an active participant at Oregon Area Senior Center, and a member of Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon. Family was central to Jane. She was instrumental in caring for her parents as they aged. Her greatest pride came from raising Sara and John, who became her best friends. She traveled with them to China, South Africa, and Togo. She traveled with brother, Paul and sister-in-law, Sandy to Costa Rica. Visiting other cultures and exploring their cuisine was very exciting to Jane, and she passed that interest to her children. Her joy was multiplied with the births of her four grandchildren. Jane began to show signs of ALS two years ago. Even after her diagnosis, she traveled by train and wheelchair for ten days with sister, Susan and nephew, Walker to Niagara Falls, New York City, and Philadelphia; her primary motivation was to attend the 2014 Climate March in New York City. Jane mustered great courage in facing her devastating disease. As her physical abilities waned, she inspired and amazed family and friends with her persistence. She left this world earlier than anyone anticipated, but she left in peace and grace. Jane is survived by her children, Sara (Jon) Hawkins and John (Holly) Sheffy-Petrillo; her grandchildren, Elijah and Isabel Hawkins and Indigo and Blaise Sheffy; siblings, Susan Shedivy, Paul (Sandy) Shedivy, and Steve (Gigi) Shedivy; her former husband, Tom (Linda) Sheffy, her sister-in-law, Mary (Prem) Chourey, and other beloved relatives. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Paul Shedivy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 12 noon, on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. A luncheon will follow at the church. Private burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery in Tisch Mills, Wis. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515