Jane Ann Petschow

Jane Ann Petschow, 71, formerly of Algonquin, IL passed away peacefully at home in Chandler, AZ on November 27, 2023, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer with her loving partner David Pistrui, Ph.D. by her side.  Jane was born on May 29, 1952, in Elgin, IL to Ruth (Kopsell) and Harry Petschow. After Jane graduated from Irving Crown High School in 1970, she went on to study psychology and sociology at Augustana College receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1974. Jane continued her education earning master’s degrees from Sangamon State University in 1974, and a second from Governors State University in 1997.                                         

Jane’s proudest accomplishment was being a mother and grandmother, she loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was passionate about her work as a School Psychologist and worked at the Homer IL Community School District for over 15 years before joining the Chicago Public Schools and eventually working in Arizona.                                                           

Jane loved music and was active in choir and bells at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Lockport, IL. She was also a musical artist and member of the rock band Terminal White recording and performing in the U.S. and Europe. While in college Jane was a radio DJ, wrote for music fanzines and did concert photography.                                                                         

Jane enjoyed baseball and was a loyal Cubs and Diamondbacks fan attending many games.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting Barbie and paper dolls. She also loved to travel including many trips across Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America.                                           

Jane is survived by her partner and fiancé, David Pistrui, Ph.D., three children, Adam Gerrity (Jenna Zhang), Elizabeth Pingry (Robert), and Michael Gerrity, brother, Jeffrey Petschow (Patricia) and grandchildren, Charles and Evelyn Pingry, and Ruby Gerrity. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ruth (Kopsell) Petschow and brother, James Petschow (Laura).                     

A private burial will take place on Thursday April 4, 2024, at the Algonquin Cemetery, Algonquin, IL. Burial arrangements are by the Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Please be sure to sign our on-line register book at https://www.willowfh.com/listings.

There will be a celebration of life service and luncheon on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10:00 am at the Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, 925 E. 9th Street Lockport, Illinois 60441. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Jane’s honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network https://pancan.org/.

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