Jane M. Empie

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

She was born in Detroit, MI on February 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, MI.

Together they celebrated 58 years of marriage before Jay’s passing in 2008. After being married, Jane and Jay moved to Superior, WI. Jane taught at Northwestern High School in Maple, WI 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 twenty-five 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 fifty 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, IL and Katharine (David Spencer) Empie, Superior, WI; one son, Paul (Margaret) Empie, Denver, IA: grandchildren Jane (Simon) Knecht, Germany; David Rodziewicz, Alaska; Jonathan Empie, Maplewood, MN, and Athena Spencer, Eagle Rock, CA; nieces, Suzanne (Matt) Ryan, Albany, CA, Kathleen (Jim) Warnke, Henderson, NV and nephew Larry (Sue) Roessler, Hartland, WI.

Visitation will begin at 3:30 PM, Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Faith United Methodist Church, 1531 Hughitt Avenue, Superior, WI.

A memorial service to celebrate Jane’s life will begin at 4:30 PM, with Pastor 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 Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.

Should you want to send a condolence or sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.Downs-LeSage.com.