Jane O’Hara Page passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, at the age of 93, with family members by her side. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and above all, a cherished friend and companion, Jane brightened every room she entered and enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on July 29, 1932, Jane was raised in the close-knit town of Grafton, surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. From an early age, she developed a deep love for family and a steadfast loyalty that remained a guiding force throughout her life.
She graduated from Grafton High School, where she was a standout student, basketball player, and cheerleader. Jane went on to attend Pembroke College (then the women’s college affiliated with Brown University), where she became known as the spirited DJ of the weekly “Pembroke Platter Party” radio program. She graduated with a degree in art history and later earned a master’s degree in education from Worcester State Teachers College.
Jane had been a third-grade teacher for three years when she took a life-changing trip to Rome in 1957. There, in a Vatican gift shop, she met her future husband, Dick Page — both searching for just the right souvenirs to bring home to their devout Catholic mothers. Fate intervened again days later, when they discovered they were sailing home on the same ship to Newark, New Jersey. A year later, they married, and within six years, they were the proud parents of four children. For more than six decades, Jane was their teacher, counselor, advocate, sounding board, and above all, their source of endless warmth, humor, and love. When her children had children of their own, Jane embraced each of her four grandchildren with the same joy, humor and love that her children knew so well.
Over the years, Jane and her family made their home in Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, and London, eventually settling in Orleans, Boston, and finally, Needham, Massachusetts. She was an unfailingly gracious hostess who welcomed friends and family to all her many homes, and she also happened to be a fabulous cook.
Jane’s life was full and vibrant, defined by boundless curiosity, compassion, and energy. She was deeply committed to the well-being of children. She served as Girl Scout troop leader in Grafton, a host parent in the A Better Chance (ABC) Program in Darien, Connecticut, and a volunteer reader at Boston Children’s Hospital. Her outgoing personality and fun-loving, adventurous approach to life led her to many varied interests. Her passions were as wide-ranging as they were deep— she was a Life Master in contract bridge, an expert in needlepoint, a good-natured fly fishing enthusiast, and an avid world traveler who set foot on all seven continents. She had a lifelong love of art, opera, and the theater, and she delighted in sharing those joys with others. She led a full and rich life – but wherever she roamed, her phone calls, a postcard, and charmingly stream of consciousness letters chock full of anecdotes, humor and advice let her family and friends know they were never far from her thoughts.
Jane is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard M. Page of Needham, Massachusetts; her son, Richard M. Page, Jr., and his wife, Maura Murphy, of Wellesley; her daughter, Catherine Golden, and her husband, Shannon Golden, of San Clemente, California; her daughter, Elizabeth Skiotis, and her husband, Michael Skiotis, of Waltham; and her daughter, Sarah Page, of Boston.
She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Rory Page of Washington, D.C.; Owen Page of Belmont; Emma Golden of Los Angeles; and Megan Golden of San Clemente. She will be fondly remembered by her dog, Neenan, a constant companion and friend.
She was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Catherine O’Hara, and her sister, Mary O’Hara.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, October 6th, from 9:00-10:30 AM at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street Wellesley, MA, followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Parish, 502 Washington Street Wellesley, MA. Jane will be laid to rest at St. Philip’s Cemetery in Grafton, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Brown University Annual Appeal.
Jane lived a life of love, laughter, service, and grace. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.