Jane (Szarlan) Kuczarski, 90, a lifelong resident of Springfield, died early Tuesday afternoon, March 7, 2017 at the Jewish Nursing Home in Longmeadow with her loving family by her side. She was born and educated in Springfield, a daughter of the late Julian and Cecelia (Cieplik) Szarlan and was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School Class of 1943. Jane was employed for 38 years with the former New England Telephone Company as a long distance operator until her retirement in 1985. She was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Springfield. Some of her favorite pastimes included Gardening, reading, knitting, crocheting as well as making beautiful ceramics pieces which her family enjoyed for many years. Jane also loved spending time with her family and friends at her beach house in Madison, CT. She leaves her devoted husband and best friend of 68 years, Ronald J. Kuczarski and leaves one loving son, Glenn F. Kuczarski and his wife Elaine of Somers, CT; two sisters, Jennie Karpinski of Ware, and Stephanie Kuc of Ludlow; her brother, Julian Szarlan of Monson; three grandchildren, Eric Kuczarski and his wife Rebecca, Bryan Kuczarski, and Jodie Shannon and her husband John; six great-grandchildren, Ethan and Hannah Kuczarski, Jack, Jane and Jordan Shannon, and Helaynah Barry. Jane was predeceased by a great-granddaughter, Sophia Kuczarski. Jane’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Jagadees, Spectrum Hospice and the entire staff and nurses on floor A2 at the Jewish Nursing Home for all of the wonderful care given to Jane during her illness. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, March 11th at 9:30 AM from the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Franklin St., both in Springfield. Relatives and friends may call on Friday evening from 4-7 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center. A private burial will be held at Hillcrest Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Jane’s family ask that contributions be directed to the Sophia Fund, c/o Bay State Savings Bank, attn.: Joseph Ewing, Assistant Branch Manager, 378 Burncoat St., Worcester, MA01606 or to Our Lady of the Rosary Church. For more information, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com

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