Jane Marie (Will) Blackham

Jane Marie (Will) Blackham passed away peacefully at home in Dacula, Georgia surrounded by her loving family on December 13, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jane was born on September 3, 1935 to Harry J. and Catherine Will in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Jane is preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 65 years, William Hamilton Blackham, who passed away on September 19, 2022.  Jane is survived by her six children and their spouses; Bill and MaryAnn (McConville) Blackham, Mike Blackham and Whitney McGrath, Ann and Loren Hursh, Amy and Rick Alcala, Patty and Scott Rider, and Fred and Jenni (Wolf) Blackham.  In addition, Jane is survived by her fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who loved and adored her.  Jane cherished family and faith above all and instilled those same values in her children and grandchildren.

Jane was also preceded in death by siblings, James D. Will, Dorothy (Will) Mathews, and Mary Grace Will. She is survived by a special sister-in-law, Dolores (Blackham) Marefka and her identical twin sister, Nancy Lee (Will) Greenwood with whom she shared an extraordinary bond.  Jane and Nancy were inseparable in their childhood and remained close throughout their adulthood with their spouses and eleven children. Although the families were separated by many miles after Jane and Bill moved to Florida, family times remained a priority.  Countless memories were created with the large extended family which included many special nieces and nephews. They cherished many happy memories in Johnstown, Pa.

Jane was a 1953 graduate of Central Catholic High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and later became a Licensed Practical Nurse.  

Jane was a devout Catholic and lived her faith through service to others.  From Johnstown to Pittsburgh, Coral Springs, FL, Leesburg, FL and Dacula, GA she was always active in her church. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, food pantry volunteer, dedicated member of Council of Catholic Women (CCW), and spent countless hours collecting and distributing items for those in need.  Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, crocheting, and gardening. Jane was a beloved friend to many; these friendships have endured through the decades.

A funeral mass will be officiated by Father Ignacio Morales at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Flowery Branch on December 19, 2022  at 10:30am . Receiving family and friends at 9:45am. In lieu of flowers, donations to CCW of Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Leesburg, Florida or Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

Jane and Bill will be buried together in the Blackham family plot at Homewood Cemetery in Pittsburgh. They leave a legacy of love in their large family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Dennis Dwyer of Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.