OBITUARY FROM THE NW INDIANA TIMES:
Jane Massa, 91 years of age and change, was survived by a small family, and an army of students to whom she devoted her teaching life in hopes that they would know they weren't the "lost causes" that so many before her had considered them to be.
A first-generation Italian who grew up in the hills of Pennsylvania, Jane joined the Army and served at Fort Bragg where she met her future husband, Harold, who preceded her in death. The two eventually ended in the mill smoked Midwest. Her sons: Dan (Diane) Massa, Don Massa and Bob (Nina) Massa; as well as her grandchildren: Elizabeth (Mark) Knox, Alex Massa and great- grandchild, Vanessa Knox, survive her.
A teacher for years, many former students or colleagues enjoyed a visit to her modest home, used an unexpected encounter to share a heartfelt expression of gratitude, or snail mailed her to let her know the difference she made in their lives and thoughts. Jane maintained she'd done nothing but give them a glimpse of a few of their many talents and the knowledge that she believed in them.
Her humility carries through as she opted out of any of the "too public" funeral services and asked instead that donations be given daily in the form of effort and understanding for those who don't always fit within our schools. Those who knew Jane would not be surprised that she would find that to be the most valuable expression, on her behalf, that one could offer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to REES FUNERAL HOME, Hobart Chapel, 219-942-2109. www.reesfuneralhome.com.
This information was obtained from: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nwitimes/name/jane-massa-obituary?id=31840961.
Sylvia Ellen Campos/Andrews (Schenk) (1947)
Jane and I lived two doors away on Water St in Hobart in the 1950s. We played together in the early AMs (yep,badminton at 7am after our husbands left for work) The neighbors thought we were crazy. We exchanged thoughts and ideas, and much more. She was instrumental in my going to college and becoming a teacher too. One day she announced she was going to Indiana Univ., ext . in Gary and wanted too know if I could attend with her. She wanted to use her Educational Grant from the Service. Our husbands objected, but we went anyway. From there on we both got our degrees, she in elementary ed and me in foreign language. Who would have thought. We moved away from each other but I have often thought of her and how she changed my life. I'll always remember you, my Beloved Friend and Mentor. Ellen (Campos) Schenk. Class of '47.