Obituary of Jane Frances Askins

Jane Frances Askins, longtime resident of Venice, Florida went to dance with the angels and sing with the saints on Friday, the 20th of January. Born November 14, 1920 in Toledo, Ohio to John and Cecelia Grotenrath. Her family relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan with their six children. Jane delighted in her three fun-loving brothers and forged an inspiring bond of enduring love with her two beloved sisters, Sis and Dida. In Grand Rapids, Jane married the love of her life, Thomas Edward Askins. Jane and Tom moved to Homewood, Illinois where they raised six children. A loving, devoted mother, Jane showered her children with kindness and generosity throughout her lifetime. Vivacious and fun-loving, Jane started a favorite family tradition of Sunday picnics. For years, on pleasant Sundays, Jane, Tom and their children, gathered at a woodland picnic spot, feasting on Jane's baked chicken and chocolate brownies. Jane often led her family on spirited hikes along forest trails, inspiring a life-long love of nature in her children. In 1976, Jane and Tom moved their family to Venice, Florida. Embracing the sunny, tropical climate, Jane developed a colorful, creative flair for interior design. She transformed their new Florida home into a stunning haven of warmth and welcome for family and friends. Jane's instinctive sense of fashion carried over into her personal appearance, as well. Even in her later years, she was always impeccably dressed in her casual-chic, signature style. A devout Catholic, Jane was active her entire adult life in church women's groups, lastly at Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice. For decades, she shared Mass, meals and birthdays with her wonderful group of lady friends. Jane was the elder queen of the Venice Community Center, where she enjoyed fit and fun exercise for nearly forty years. Jane always had a dazzling smile and a kind compliment for everyone she met. Her boundless energy, passion for family and exuberant spirit of fun personified Jane throughout her entire life. At age 95, she cheerfully suggested, ""Let's all take a family cruise. My treat!"" Jane liked convertible cars, 3 mile power walks morning and night and her soup piping hot. Her shopping expertise was legendary. Thoughtful gifts for others rather than herself. Jane was a humble woman who prayed on her knees every night asking God to bless her family. She was at her happiest surrounded by her family. Her congenial hospitality and kindness knew no bounds. Her gracious, giving spirit was ever willing to help others. Her simple rule of life that exemplified her loving, thoughtful heart: ""Always write a thank-you note."" Jane was preceded in death by her husband Thomas, her brothers Leonard, Norbert and John Grotenrath II; her sister Dorothy Rose Glerum and her parents. She is survived by her children Mar-Ce Bennett (Jack), James Askins (Terry), Elizabeth Rumisek (Michael), William Askins (Laura), Margaret Cobbeldick (Truman) and Jane Wells; her sister Virginia Visner and sister-in-law, Madelyn Askins. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 8 great grand children, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family throughout the United States. A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Monday, January 30th. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements. Service Information Date: Monday, January 30, 2017 Time: 10:30 am Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Address: 1301 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 | Map