Jane Mchugh

LARGO, FLA. - Jane Burke McHugh, 75, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, in Largo.

Jane was the only child born on Jan. 12, 1942, in Youngstown, to James A. and Mabel M. (Straus) Burke.

She attended high school at The Rayen School where she met her soulmate and partner in laughter, Thomas J, McHugh, graduating in 1960. While earning her degree in Elementary Education from Youngstown State University, she married Thomas on Dec. 26, 1964, becoming a member of a large, loving, and boisterous Irish family.

Teaching was more than a profession for Jane. It was her calling and her passion. Her career in education began at Geneva City Schools in Ohio while still attending college. After graduation, she continued teaching at E.J. Blott School in Liberty, and finally at St. Christine School in Youngstown, where she taught for over 25 years. She initiated, implemented, and oversaw the Accelerated Reading Program and she proctored the Geography Bee. Jane was always looking for ways to make learning exciting and new.

Over the years, Jane shared her love of family by planning reunions and birthdays and by keeping a roster of the ever expanding McHugh clan. This ledger grew to 50 entries and it included birthdays, anniversaries, and contact information. Jumping onto the technology bandwagon, Jane published a monthly newsletter via e-mail providing the extended McHugh family with news from across the country.

Retirement with "Tom" began with trips to the Daytona 500, Ireland, and the Carolinas. They settled into an active life at Pointe West Park in Largo. There, Jane became a community board member, planning and executing park improvements and organizing social activities.

Throughout her time with family and friends, she never failed to make any person smile and laugh. She was always positive and had a big, beautiful smile on her face at all times. Jane's smile was as big as her heart. She showed everyone how to live their lives to the fullest in all circumstances.

She will be desperately missed by her family, numerous friends and acquaintances.

Jane is survived by her husband, Thomas J. McHugh; their daughter, Mary Margaret (Donald); and son Thomas J. McHugh Jr. (Desmona); grandchildren Daniel, Timothy, Michael, Mollie, Noah, and Kyle; sister-in-law Catherine Rousseau of Kent; sister-in-law Sandra (Jerry Sutton) McHugh of Yellow Springs; daughter-in-law Karen McHugh-Fornadel of Hilliard; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law James (Katherine) McHugh, Alfred (Margaret) McHugh, Francis (Ruth) McHugh, and Michael "Ike" McHugh; and sisters-in-law Rebecca (Richard) Wilson, Mary (Robert) Anderson, and Joan McHugh.

Family and friends may call on Friday Jan. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr's Centre Drive in Canfield.

Services begin at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave. in Youngstown. Burial will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Jane's family requests any memorial tributes be given to St. Christine School.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.