WORCESTER – Jane T. Gustkowski, 68, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus, surrounded by her loved ones.
Jane was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna (Sobiech) Gustowski, and remained a lifelong resident of the city. Above all, Jane’s life was centered around the things she loved most: her family, her faith, and, whenever she had the chance, a day at the beach.
Jane leaves her four sisters, Marianne Buetens (Gustowski) of Worcester; Joan Kalinowski (Gustowski) and her husband, Joe, of Auburn; Dianne Gustowski of Holden; and Carol Lyons (Gustowski) and her husband, Chris, of Framingham. She also leaves eight nieces and nephews and two great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom were an important part of her life. Jane was predeceased by her infant brother, Joseph Gustowski, her niece, Jennifer D. Kalinowski, who passed away in 2005, and her brother-in-law Daniel Buetens, who passed away in 2014.
Family meant a great deal to Jane, and she treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She loved traveling and making memories along the way, especially on cruises, trips to Poland, vacations in Florida, and adventures to Disney. She was also a fan of Broadway shows and loved listening to the music from her favorite performances.
But if there was one place where Jane was truly happiest, it was the beach. She rarely turned down an opportunity to put her feet in the sand and enjoy the ocean. Whether she was traveling north to the beaches of Maine, south to Misquamicut, or over the bridge to Cape Cod, a trip to the shore was always special to Jane.
Jane’s faith was another central part of her life. A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, she generously gave her time and talents to the parish community in many ways. Over the years, she served as a lector, sang in the choir, served on the finance committee, and was an active member of the Women’s Guild, where she also served as treasurer. Her church was more than a place she attended; it was a community she loved and faithfully served throughout her life.
Jane graduated from the former Saint Mary’s High School in Worcester. She continued her education at Bentley University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, and later earned a master’s degree from UMass Lowell.
A Certified Public Accountant, Jane built a long and accomplished career in public service, finance, and higher education. She began her career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Office of the State Auditor, advancing from junior auditor to senior auditor and ultimately to a management position. She later joined Worcester State University as Assistant to the Comptroller.
Jane continued her career at Mount Wachusett Community College, where she served as Associate Dean of Administrative Services and later as Vice President of Administrative Services. She concluded her career there as Director of Physical Affairs before retiring.
Jane was a dedicated and hardworking professional throughout her life and took particular pride in having passed the Certified Public Accountant exam on her first attempt. Her professional expertise also became another way she could give back to a community she loved, putting her knowledge and experience to use as a member of the finance committee at Our Lady of Czestochowa. Jane was an active member of the Association of Government Accountants even after she retired, and served as local chapter president and treasurer.
A funeral will be held on Friday, August 14, from the Alfred Roy & Sons – Henry Funeral Service Memorial Chapel, 33 Ward Street, Worcester, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward Street, Worcester. Burial with her parents will take place at Notre Dame Cemetery at a later date.
Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 13, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the Our Lady of Czestochowa Church Renovation Fund, 34 Ward Street, Worcester, MA 01610.
Marchand Memorial Homes is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory of Jane or sign her online guestbook, please visit MarchandMemorialHomes.com.