Jane Finch Mills, 84, of Indiana, passed away Thursday, Dec.19, 2013, at St. Andrew’s Village, formerly of Saddlebrook Drive and Shearer Avenue.
A daughter of the late Fred Nellis and Edna Mang Finch, she was born April 10, 1929, in St. Johnsville, NY.
Mrs. Mills was a graduate of St. Johnsville High School, where she was Salutatorian of her class. In 1950, Jane earned her master’s degree from the University of Rochester. While attending the university, she met her husband, John W. Mills. Jane taught high school English in Long Island, NY. During her husband’s first year of residency, Jane was asked to run a small daycare at the hospital in McKeesport, because there was a shortage of nurses due to the nurses staying home with their children. Years later, Jane stayed home to raise her children. She also worked with her husband at his medical office for a number of years before his retirement. She was a long standing member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, where she was a deacon and elder, and was very active in the Christian education department. Jane also sang alto in the choir until her health didn’t permit it. She was very involved in civic organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Planned Parenthood, and the Alice Paul House. Jane was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, served on the YMCA Board of Directors and was an Indiana Regional Medical Center volunteer for mail delivery, hospice, pantry and the auxiliary. She was gracious, generous, and kind – a true lady. Jane was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved all animals, especially cats. Any stray cats or dogs that found their way to her house became cherished pets. She opened her home to three foreign exchange students, Akiko from Japan, Alex from Brazil, and Nora from Equador. Jane always made her children’s friends feel welcome at her home – and mothered them all. Her life was characterized by a strong, quiet faith, love of family, and a servant’s heart.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. John W. Mills; four children: Elizabeth Mills, of San Diego, CA; Dr. John F. Mills and wife Bonnie, of Midlothian, VA; Susan Mills and husband Joseph Aurigemma, of Cumberland, MD; and Stephanie Mills and husband Dr. Todd Bush, of Franklin; nine grandchildren: Caitlin, Rachel and Megan Allcock; Ciara and Barrett Mills; Sean and Marisa Aurigemma; and Alexandra and Madeline Bush; a brother, Jim Finch and wife Jeannie, of GA; a brother-in-law, Edward Mills and wife Alma, of FL; a sister-in-law, Nancy Wienecke of OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Finch; a brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Wienecke; a sister-in-law, Joyce Mills; and a beloved aunt, Jessica “Deck” Johnson.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at Robinson-Lytle, Inc., Indiana. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David J. Hanna officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Presbyterian Church, 695 School Street, Indiana, PA 15701, Indiana County Humane Society, 65 Haven Drive, Indiana, PA 15701 or the Alzheimer’s Associations, Greater PA Chapter, 100 West Station Square Drive, The Landmarks Building, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Andrew’s Village, especially Pastor Jerry, and Horizon Hospice for taking such good care of Jane.