Jane M. Empie

Jane M. Empie, 90, longtime Superior area resident, passed away on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at St. Eligius Health Center in Duluth.

She was born in Detroit, Mich. Feb. 26, 1921, the daughter of Flora A. (Nelson) and Paul L. Eastman.

In 1941, Jane received her bachelor's degree in home economics from Wayne State University located in Detroit and later her master's degree from the University of Michigan. She was a lifetime member of Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national honor fraternity for home economics graduates.

Jane taught homemaking classes at the Robinson School in the Detroit Public School system for eight years before marrying Jay A. Empie on June 29, 1949 in Detroit, Mich. Together they celebrated 58 years of marriage before Jay's passing in 2008. After being married, Jane and Jay moved to Superior. Jane taught at Northwestern High School in Maple for one year and then started a family while continuing to teach adult evening sewing classes for Superior Vocational School and the Indianhead Technical Institute for over 25 years.

After Jay's retirement, Jane enjoyed the many trips they took together throughout the U.S.

Jane was devoted to her family and enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting and baking. Jane was an active member of Faith United Methodist Church and the Bay Gardner's Garden Club. She was a member of her garden club for over 50 years.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband Jay, her parents, brother-in-law Warren Empie and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Chet Roessler.

She is survived by two daughters, Martha (Roman) Rodziewicz, Franklin Park, Ill. and Katharine (David Spencer) Empie, Superior; one son, Paul (Margaret) Empie, Denver, Iowa: grandchildren Jane (Simon) Knecht, Germany; David Rodziewicz, Alaska; Jonathan Empie, Maplewood, Minn., and Athena Spencer, Eagle Rock, Calif.; nieces, Suzanne (Matt) Ryan, Albany, Calif., Kathleen (Jim) Warnke, Henderson, Nev. and nephew Larry (Sue) Roessler, Hartland, Wis.

Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m. until the 4:30 p.m. memorial service to celebrate Jane's life, Saturday, March 10, at Faith United Methodist Church, 1531 Hughitt Avenue, Superior with Rev. Joel Certa-Werner, Officiating.

Jane's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the wonderful care Jane received during her stay at St. Eligius Health Center.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Ave., Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.

Send a condolence or sign the online guest book at www.Downs-LeSage.com.

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