Jane Marie Smith, age 53 of Rochester, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019 losing her courageous battle with depression.

She was born January 24, 1965 in Osage, IA to Gerwin and Florence Smith. She was raised and enjoyed her childhood growing up on the family farm near Meyer, IA.

Jane attended St. Ansgar, IA Community Schools where she enjoyed spending time with many friends and being co-captain of the cheerleading squad. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Rochester Technical College, receiving a Mayo Clinic scholarship to do so. Jane studied to be a Human Services Technician. After earning her degree, she worked with disabled adults at REM-Inc. Eventually she moved to Des Moines where she worked as a mental health technician. Jane loved children and had a desire for travel. This love and passion brought her to Scotland & the East Coast, working as a nanny. Jane also worked for the Salvation Army and most recently was at Hawthorne School in Rochester where she cared for infants so their mothers could complete their high school education. Jane spent her life caring for those less fortunate than her.

In her many travel adventures, Jane spent time in England, Scotland, France, Hawaii, Texas, Florida, New Jersey and even watched the ball drop on New Year's Eve one year while in New York City.

Jane will be remembered for her kindness. She loved providing toys & necessities for any classroom, particularly her sister Anne's. Jane truly loved birthday celebrations, sporting & musical events involving her much loved and adored niece and nephew. Jane honored and loved her aging parents, assisting tirelessly with daily life schedules. Most of all, Jane will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Jane is survived by her parents, Gerwin and Florence Smith; a sister, Anne Yamriska (Jerry); and two brothers, Gary Smith and Robert Smith (Mina). She is also survived by her much-loved niece, Emily Smith; and her nephew, Zachary Smith.

Jane's memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN with Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Lunch will follow.

Memorials made in honor of Jane may be directed to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI-Southeast Minnesota).