Jane Ann LaPorte, of Doylestown, Pa., passed away peacefully on Sunday March 19, 2023, in Carmel, Ind., one week after her 87th birthday.
She was born March 12, 1936, in West Hazelton Pa., the daughter of the late Melvin and Anna (Neikham) Smith. She married Genero “Gidge” Charles LaPorte on Sept. 7, 1957, who preceded her in passing on July 23, 2020.
Jane Ann always enjoyed music and was a great singer in her youth. Always caring for others led Jane to nursing school where she proudly earned her RN, prior to raising her girls as a homemaker. Jane and Gidge used to “cut the rug” jitter-bugging to the enjoyment of family at weddings. Jane Ann enjoyed knitting and sewing, reading, playing cards, and keeping her mind sharp with crossword puzzles. She also liked very very dry martinis!
Jane Ann is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Gregory) Hahn and Christine (Noel) Davis; and seven grandchildren, Jared Davis, Gareth Davis, Chad Davis, Caitlyn Garsils, Colleen Rodriguez, Elise Doyle, Rachel Hahn; and eight great-grandchildren, Clark Davis, Nolan Davis, Carmen Davis, Madelyn Garsils, Kathryn Garsils, Caroline Garsils, Charles Rodriguez and Oliver Rodriguez.
A memorial service is planned for noon Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Doylestown Cemetery in Doylestown, Pa., jointly to honor and remember both Jane Ann and her deceased husband Genero “Gidge” Charles LaPorte. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.
Three years prior to Jane Ann’s passing, Genero “Gidge” Charles LaPorte, 89, of Doylestown Pa., passed away July 23, 2020. He was born April 12, 1931, in Freeland, Pa., the son of the late Julia and Salvatore LaPorte, who were Italian immigrants. He married Jane Ann Smith on Sept. 7, 1957.
Gidge was athletic and played basketball, baseball and football in high school. After serving in the U.S. Army, he attended and graduated from Kings College in 1952, then Lehigh University with a master’s degree in Education. Gidge became a teacher and taught for more than 40 years at Lambertville High School in New Jersey, where he eventually became the athletic director. He had many students become his adult friends over the years. Beside a dedicated Catholic and longtime member of the congregation at The Lady of Mount Carmel Church, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club, and The Horse Thieves Social Club in Doylestown Pennsylvania. Gidge was a devout Notre Dame football fan who closely followed the team and players over many years.
At the time of Gidge’s passing, he was survived by his wife Jane Ann and two daughters, Elizabeth (Gregory) Hahn and Christine (Noel) Davis; and seven grandchildren, Jared Davis, Gareth Davis, Chad Davis, Caitlyn Garsils, Colleen Rodriguez, Elise Doyle, Rachel Hahn; and eight great-grandchildren, Clark Davis, Nolan Davis, Carmen Davis, Madelyn Garsils, Kathryn Garsils, Caroline Garsils, Charles Rodriguez, and Oliver Rodriguez.
Genero “Gidge” Charles LaPorte’s memorial service will be part of Jane Ann LaPorte’s service planned for noon Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Doylestown Cemetery in Doylestown, Pa., to honor and remember both Jane Ann and Gidge. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.
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