Jane Harte (nee Ella Jane Ferry) of Stockbridge, MA and formerly of Beverly Farms, MA and Hobe Sound, FL, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023 after a long illness. She was 93 years old. She was born in Torrington, CT, the only daughter of Grace Ferry of Stockbridge and William Palmer. She attended grade school in Stockbridge, MA where she graduated from Williams High School. She was a dedicated student and basketball player in high school and very involved in school activities including yearbook. She also played piano and rang the bells at the Stockbridge Congregational Church where she was a member of the choir.
After high school, she attended Lenox Hill Nursing School in NYC where she attained her nursing degree and became a registered nurse. Among her patients was none other than baseball great Mickey Mantle! After graduating from Lenox Hill, inspired by her uncle Richard Ferry who was a pilot, she became a flight attendant for American Airlines. It was on one of her flights that she met her first husband, Deane E. Witt of New York City and Sharon, CT. They had three children together, Cameron H. Witt, Derek V. Witt, and Jeffrey S. Witt. They lived in Ridgewood, NJ, Washington, MA and Stockbridge, MA. Jane and Deane were married for 28 years.
Following Deane’s passing in 1982, she married Richard Harte, Jr. of Manchester-By-The-Sea and Beverly Farms, MA. They were happily married for 35 years before his passing in 2016.
Throughout her life, she was an avid golfer, tennis and bridge player. A fiery competitor, she loved to compete in these sports and activities at several clubs including Stockbridge Golf Club. She also loved the arts and theater and was an avid volunteer and contributor to several boards including the Berkshire Theater Festival. She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing games including her favorite, Rummikub.
Jane is survived by her three children, Cameron Witt of Burlington, MA, Derek Witt of Stockbridge, MA and Jeffrey Witt (Laurie) of Wellesley, MA and three grandchildren: Annika Witt, Allison Witt and Cooper Witt.
The life of Jane Harte will be celebrated at a memorial service on Friday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Stockbridge Congregational Church, 4 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA followed by a private burial at the Stockbridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of America: www.alz.org.