Jane Grube, 101, of Londonderry, NH and Decatur, MI, was one of eight children born to Fred and Josephine Dircks in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago. She met William (1920-2007), her husband of 63 years, at a Valentine’s Day party when they were 14 years old. Her entire life centered on compassion and love for her family and her many friends. Having grown up during the depression she enjoyed living a simple life, appreciating everyone and everything around her.
She and Bill were loyal Missouri Synod Lutherans belonging to Peace Lutheran Church for 60 years before transferring their membership to Trinity Lutheran near their MI home. Jane was active in church groups including Gaba-Gaba, Dorcas Society, Ladies’ Aide and Kids at Heart.
After years of renting a cottage each summer in Decatur, MI, Bill and Jane built their retirement home on Lake of the Woods. Even after moving to New Hampshire she was able to return annually to the place she considered home including a memorable visit last summer with family and friends.
Each year after her husband’s passing, she spent more time with her son and daughter-in-law in NH. She continued right to the end, to be thoughtful and most appreciative to all who cared for her.
Jane was well known for her home-made cookies. Each day between Thanksgiving and Christmas she baked various types of cookies. Everyone she knew and sometimes some she didn’t know, got a can of cookies at Christmas. They were the centerpiece of our holiday desserts. She made many beautiful quilts by hand over the years and also enjoyed crafting. As time passed, she focused on crocheting - making hats, headbands and blankets for cancer patients, military members, and those less fortunate. Jane, even at 101.5, spent almost every waking hour crocheting. She told us that it kept her “mind and hands active” and "helped people". When not crocheting she did word search puzzles - but only to occupy her mind. She joked that they were “stupid cause when you’re done you throw the book away.”
Jane is survived by her two sisters, Violet Williams and Emily (and Ken) Mola; her two sons, Jack and William, daughters-in-law Dianne and Lynn; three grandchildren Steve (and Susan), Erin (and Steve) and Dan (and Sarah). She was predeceased by her husband, William Grube, and her siblings, Fred of IN, Charles of IL, Bud of IN, Bob of IL, and Loretta of PA. In one of her last conversations with her sister she reminded her that they will “meet again” in Heaven – a comforting thought that she is back with the love of her life, her family and friends.
When she turned 100 in 2020, she realized the love the world had for her when she received over 200 birthday cards. That following year Jane was honored when an award was created to recognize her compassion and benevolence. The award will be given annually to a Pinkerton Academy Cosmetology student to “celebrate the values and overwhelming joy that she brought to the Astro Style team throughout her years as a customer.” In lieu of flowers donations can be made payable to Pinkerton Academy - Jane Grube Benevolence Award and mailed to Ms. Keryl Rabideau, Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton Street, Derry, NH 03038.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Friday, March 25th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry.