May 15, 1934 – October 30, 2022
Jane Woods Wharton, of Waterford, CT, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022, at Beechwood Rehabilitation and Care Center in New London.
She was born in Boston, MA, on May 15, 1934, the daughter of Thomas and Dorothea Gray Woods. She was the wife of Philip A. Wharton, who predeceased her. Mrs. Wharton was a graduate of the Boston City School of Nursing and had been employed as a Registered Nurse. They raised their family in Reading, MA, and after their retirements, the Whartons relocated to Mystic, CT, and Waterville Valley, NH. They were communicants of St. Patrick Church while living in Mystic.
Jane liked to travel and took many trips throughout the US and Europe. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary at family gatherings. She loved watching old movies, especially musicals. She also enjoyed all things chocolate, holding any baby that she could get her hands on, and knitting, especially knitting things for babies. She valued education, encouraging all her children and grandchildren to pursue degrees in higher education.
Jane is survived by a son, Philip Wharton, Jr. (Paula) of Lunenburg, MA; daughters, Mary Neilan (Chris) of Waterford; Christine Wharton of Lowell, MA; Jennifer Wharton (Patrick Hsieh) of Honolulu, HI. She has a brother William Woods (Julie) of Ogunquit, ME; sister Ann Rettman of Bolton, MA; eight grandchildren, Christopher Neilan, Jr., Patrick Neilan (Kristen), Timothy Neilan, Emily DeRosa (Nick), Sarah Arnold (Ryan), Allison Wharton, Emma Wharton-Hsieh and Fiona Wharton-Hsieh. She also had four great grandchildren: Madison Neilan, Olivia DeRosa, Kellan Arnold, and Elena Neilan. She was predeceased by brothers, Thomas Woods, Jr., Paul Woods, and Kenneth Woods.
Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday at St. Patrick Church, Mystic, followed by interment in Elm Grove Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.
