Mary Ireland

Jane Ireland died peacefully February 16, 2021 after 104 years of living a loving and beloved life.  Jane is one of three daughters of Hazel Zeller, a wonder of kindness herself. In High School Jane was honored to speak at her high school graduation and the National Honor Society. She earned her Associates Degree at a time when few women attended college.

Jane’s biggest achievements were living a life of kindness and caring for others. For 36 years Jane was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Bill Ireland until Bill died in 1971. Theirs was a marriage like those portrayed in romantic comedies, full of romance and deep devotion to one another.

As a mother, Jane was so generous with her love and care that even as teenagers, her daughters recognized that they had a very special mother.  Jane would just do anything for her children from bringing forgotten homework to school, to driving all over Kansas City for their special events. Her children most treasured knowing they could count on the daily routine of awakening to the smells of breakfast cooking every morning and the goodnight kisses and wishes as they were falling asleep.

In her 80’s, Jane stepped up in a very large way by providing many years of daily care for her chronically ill daughter Jan.  And, Jane “mothered” her daughter’s three children over those same years, spending as much time at her daughter’s home as her own. However, that wasn’t enough giving for Jane. She continued to drive to her three volunteer jobs a week, until at the age of 96, a broken femur interfered with her ability to drive.

Jane had many, many friends of all ages. Her adulthood close friendships continued until ended by death. Jane was in a sense a blessing to those around her with her wit growing through the years as well as her graciousness.  She felt a mission to help widowed friends and acquaintances after losing a spouse since she was the first one of them to become widowed at age 54. Since 1971 when Bill died a close friend and Jane went to every Chiefs home game until “death did they part”.

Jane was a long term resident of the Village Presbyterian Church occupying the same place in the same pew, every Sunday and regularly volunteering for the Church.

Her family truly appreciates the help given to Jane, with such loving kindness by her caregiver/friend Shannon Bukaty, and the kind and dedicated staff of Tallgrass Creek and also Inspire Hospice.

There will be a service honoring Jane on Wednesday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the Village Presbyterian Church.  In lieu of flowers donations may be given to Inspire Hospice and messages left at Johnsoncountychapel.com.

Jane was predeceased by her husband Bill Ireland and daughter, Jan Ireland LeBow.  Jane is survived by her daughters Gayle LaFevers and husband Larry, Pat Ireland, Nancy Lignitz.  Grandchildren: Evelan Savanna Sam, Cole and wife Shelley, Brett and wife Gina, Jordan and partner Ken, Derek and J.D..  Great Grandchildren: Kaleigh and husband Rex, Corey and Michael.