Mary Jane Ayer

A life well lived ended on August 12, 2024, at 12:56PM. Mary Jane Ayer died at Oakwood West where she had been living for fourteen years.

An outdoor girl, Jane was born and raised in Goodman, lumber town in northern Wisconsin. She earned her nursing degree at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, her Bachelors degree 1959, Masters in 1964 and Ph.D. in 1966, all three at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Jane was a Professor and Associate Dean in the School of Education retiring in 1992.

Well-traveled, an excellent friend to many, curious, an accomplished artist in pastels, watercolor and drawing, highly intelligent, fun, a lover of tress, a life-long learner, Jane lived a full, meaningful and giving life. Though not religious, Jane was a deeply spiritual person and she thrived in the natural world.

Jane was the last surviving member of her family. She was born to Owen and Alice (Miller) Ayer on May 5, 1920. She had three brothers: Gordon, Robert and Clinton.

With her partner of over thirty years, Phyllis Hill, Jane lived on Lake Kegonsa, then at Tamarack Trails in Madison. Together Jane and Phyllis covered many miles in their RV with their cats. Phyllis died in 2008.

Jane was grateful to have had many good and loyal friends with whom she enjoyed great conversations, food books, wisdom, laughter, and life lessons.

We, her friends, are all so thankful to Jane for being able to have shared in her life and to witness her resilience, integrity, determination and her love of life.

Jane will be cremated and her ashes will be buried along with ashes of Phyllis, and their two kitties Solly and Nicky at The Farley Center natural Path Sanctuary at a later date. There will be a gathering of friends at Oakwood West soon.

Memorial donations may be made to The Linda and Gene Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, 2299 Spring Rose Road, Verona WI 53593 “…as for the light by which you see, leave it on.” -R.N. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434