Jane B. Dworshak passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at the McClure Miller Respite House, surrounded by her family. She was 92 years old.
Born in East Orange, N.J., to Edith and Clarence Bowman, Jane’s younger years were split between schooling in Philadelphia and summers at the New Jersey shore. These coastal summers instilled a lifelong love for the beach and ocean.
Jane attended Pierce Junior College in Philadelphia, where she graduated with a secretarial degree. During college she graced the runways as a model for Strawbridge & Clothier Department Store, a testament to her inherent style — a trait she maintained her whole life. Her style later in life usually came thrifted.
Jane got her first car, a 1954 Chevy sedan, after graduating from college. Her first road trip took her to Kamp Kill Kare in St. Albans, Vt., to visit relatives. It was there that she met her future husband, Louis Dworshak, who was a counselor at the camp that summer. They were married on November 28, 1954, at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.
In 1967, Jane and Lou established roots in Stowe, Vt. Jane dedicated many years to the Stowe Area Association, forging lasting friendships and playing a vital role in the community. Her commitment extended to the League of Women Voters and the Stowe Community Church, where she was a long-standing member.
Jane moved to Burlington in 1995 to be closer to Al’s growing family and was affectionately dubbed “GJ,” short for Grammy Jane. GJ was an integral part of the Dworshak/Montstream household.
GJ was a devoted reader of mysteries and a talented knitter, possessed a beautiful singing voice, and was known for her molasses cookies. In 1980, Jane attended the Olympic “Miracle on Ice” hockey game. Her favorite celebrities were Rafael Nadal, Barack Obama and Whoopi Goldberg. She volunteered at the Flynn theater, Replays and Shelburne Farms. She enjoyed a vodka tonic every evening and was always quick-witted and spirited. She welcomed and looked forward to daily visits from family, friends and caregivers.
Jane is survived by her son Al Dworshak (Katharine Montstream); Charlotte, Tor and Sylvie Dworshak, all from Burlington, Vt.; her daughter, Suzanne Dvorak (Robert Eastaugh); Kerry and Tiger Tasker and three great-grandchildren, all from Anchorage, Alaska; and her granddog Suki. She was predeceased by her son Rick in 2005.
A family celebration will be held at a later date in the fall.
Many heartfelt thanks to the University of Vermont Home Health & Hospice for the thoughtful care they gave to GJ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Age Well Vermont, 875 Roosevelt Hwy. #210, Colchester, VT 05446.
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2025.
Many fond memories of Jane ! I loved her barley soup! She was special!!