Worcester- Jane M. Borthwick, 86, passed away on May 16, 2025 at Knollwood Nursing Center, with her devoted friend Stacy Sullivan by her side.
Jane was a fiercely loyal friend, cherishing bonds that stretched back to her grade school days. She never let health challenges or physical distance prevent her from staying connected. A phone call, a handwritten note, or a thoughtful card—these were Jane’s quiet ways of showing up, reliably and lovingly, for the people she cared about.
Jane shared her home and heart with many pets over the years. Most recently, she doted on Oreo and Snowball, the resident cats at Knollwood. She also had a special fondness for backyard birds, delighting in luring them to her window with feeders and treats so she could observe their visits with joy and curiosity.
Born in Worcester, Jane was the daughter of the late Raymond and Lois (McCleave) Borthwick. She possessed a sharp intellect and earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Worcester State College. Jane was a gifted educator, inspiring students in junior high school science and math classrooms for the Worcester Public School System and later nurturing children in early learning centers.
Her curiosity and love of learning extended far beyond the classroom. Jane’s interests were wide ranging, spanning finance, politics, Bible study, and local excursions. Cape Cod and Nantucket in particular , always held a special pull on her heart.
A woman of faith, Jane found community and fellowship at both Brookfield Congregational Church and Wesley United Methodist Church in Worcester.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday May 23, 2025 in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory may be made to: Free Bird & Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc. 19 Valentine Road Hopkinton, MA 01748 A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 92-2160089)
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