"I was rather surprised to hear of Jane's passing. We graduated together in 1963. Our parents played bridge at least once a month for years. Her mother, Helen Olson, was my 7th grade math teacher and her father "Ollie" Olson was our principal He actually taught me how to waterski. . Loved them dearly and they raised a very sweet girl. I enjoyed visiting with her at our high school reunions. May you, her family, find peace and comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ."
In loving memory of
Jane O'Toole
April 30, 1945 - November 13, 2020
JANE O'TOOLE
LETTS, Iowa -Jane Ann O'Toole, 75, of Letts, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.
DUE TO THE IOWA GOVERNOR'S NOVEMBER 17th PROCLAMATION, THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VISITATIONS.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at St. Mathias Church. Burial will take place in the St. Malachys Cemetery. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the family or for a mass in her honor at the Ss. Mary Mathias Parish. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Jane was born on April 30, 1945, in Muscatine, the daughter of Owen Lovell and Helen Ruth (Miller) Olson. She married James O'Toole on March 21, 1970 at St. Mathias Church.
She was a 1963 graduate of Muscatine High School. After High School she graduated from the North East Missouri State College in Kirksville, Missouri. She was a teacher before becoming a homemaker. Jane was a member of the St. Mathias Church, Marspa teacher's education guild, bowling group, and the St. Malachy preservation society. She was a county trustee for years and worked many elections. Jane was extremely proud of her kids and loved her cats. Most importantly she loved her family and enjoyed her close relationship with her granddaughter Abby.
Jane is survived by her husband, James Patrick O'Toole of Letts, son, Jonathan O'Toole of Letts, daughter, Sarah (Tim) Duggan of Cedar Rapids; granddaughter, Abigail 'Abby' Murdock; step-grandson, Devon Duggan; brother, Robert (Wanda) Olson of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Tributes
"Broke my heart to hear of this. She was my favorite teacher. She even came to my birthday parties when I was little. She was amazing. She always had a way of making the children in her class feel special. Even when I would run into her as an adult she would still recognize me and call me by name. ? She was the best and has always held a special place in my heart. Heaven gain a very very special lady. My sympathy goes out the her family. I will keep you in my prayers. Jeannie Hahn Grady"
"I have wonderful memories of Ms. O?Toole as my 5th grade teacher at Garfield Elementary in 1972-1973. I loved to write and read because of her. I also know her work as a teacher made me want to be one myself. I have been a teacher for 23 years now myself and have my Ph.D. as well. Her life and work has touched money people. "
"Jane was my 5th grade teacher at Garfield School in the early 70?s. She was always so kind and had such a warm smile. My condolences to her family. Sally Street Pagel"
"Aunt Jane was inspirational and fun. Uncle James, John and Sarah my prayers are with you."
"Nancy Reid McKee Family and friends of Jane, My sympathy goes to the many people that knew Jane, when she was a teacher, friend, wife and mother. I valued her Christian friendship as a teacher friend in Muscatine that began in the late 90"s. Her special interest in others will always be remembered and her supporting and caring words. She gave me many happy memories with other teacher friends that still live in the area. A special tribute to Jane, "Thanks be to God" and love to her husband and family. Sincerely, Nancy Reid McKee"
"Jim, I am shocked and saddened by the news of Jane's passing. I so enjoyed our visits at the coffee klatsches on Sunday. Jane had a great curiosity about everything and regaled us with great and humorous stories. She will not be forgotten!"
"Words cannot express the sorrow we feel as we grieve the loss our dear Janie. She touched many lives and made a difference. May all your wonderful memories give you comfort. Cherish the love she so graciously gave. We will all miss her. I am so thankful for her friendship and all the memories we made together. Please accept our deepest sympathy. With love, Nancy & Tim"
"Jane was always so friendly and she loved her kitties. May God give you strength as you're dealing with your loss. Prayers going out to James, Jon, Sarah and all the family."
"Jon and James, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days and weeks to come. Let us know if there is anything that Harry or I can do to help. Take good care of her kitties. "
"It was a shock to hear of Aunt Jane's passing. My fondest memories of spending time on the farm with grandparents included the time spend with Uncle James and Jane. They were a fun and warm, caring couple. Aunt Jane would fill our heads with her travels in Europe. My heart and prayers go out to Uncle James, Sarah and Jonathan."
"So sorry to hear of Jane's passing, she and her family was one of the first to welcome us to the neighborhood, always a kind word and a lot of fun, she will be missed."
"So very sorry to learn of Jane's passing. I got to know Jane through a mutual friend and we participated in a Secret Pal group together years ago....good times. Our prayers are with you as your family travels this road together. God bless, Theresa Eichelberger"
"Jane was my sister. We were 5 years apart but have kept in contact over the years even though I lived in Germany 6 years and Wisconsin - Illinois & Georgia. She was a very good caretaker for our parents over the years, and was always there when they needed help. She also was involved in many things in Muscatine and was able to keep mom & dad up to date. She filled in for all the years I was not there to help our parents and was of great help to me. I will miss her! She kept me up to date on Muscatine - friends & parents. Bob Olson"
"To Jane's family, I mourn your loss with you. I have many childhood memories of Jane, who grew up on Eleventh Street across the street from my family. She was our babysitter and our friendly "older sister." I have seen her just a few times as an adult, and it has always been a great reunion. "
"Sorry to hear about Jane's passing. Jane and I grew up in the same neighborhood {11th St -Oak St. area}. I last saw Jane at the MHS/Hayes 1960 class reunion in September of this year.."
"I am so sorry to hear about Jane's passing. We were best friends from third grade at Jefferson Elementary to Muscatine High School. She was friendly and loved to chat with everyone. Sje will be missed.. Our condolences to Jim. Gloria Smith Castrovillari and Ralph Castrovillari"
"We are sorry to here about Jane's passing. Our sympathies to James and his family, your in our prayers. John & Christy Bender"
"Jim and family, I'm sorry sorry to hear about Jane. I'll truly miss her. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. God bless you."
"Jane was such a lovely person and I enjoyed knowing her. Our sympathies to James, Jon, and Sarah and family. Our small community has had too much loss recently. "
"Sorry to hear about Jane's passing. Always a smile and and a great person. John and Lonna Furlong"
"So sorry for your loss Jon. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
"So sorry to learn of Jane's death. Wonderful memories of her, Jim and family. May we find comfort in the blessings of her gracious life."