Jane Mary Russell Babcock

Jane Russell Babcock passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 82 at AngelsGrace Hospice. She was born on December 25, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland to Clarence and Elizabeth (nee Viskocil) Russell. Jane was a devoted educator and musician with a deep passion for music. Her educational journey included attending prestigious institutions such as Peabody Conservatory of Music, John Hopkins University, University of Michigan, Berkshire Community College, WCTC, and the University of Wisconsin – Waukesha.

Throughout her career in music education, Jane shared her talents at various institutions including Baltimore County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Concordia Lutheran School, and Waukesha Public Schools. She also showcased her musical skills through performances with orchestras such as the City of Baltimore Municipal Band, John Hopkins Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Gettysburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Bach Society Chamber Orchestra in Milwaukee. Jane directed the Handbell Choir at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brookfield for over 25 years.

In addition to her dedication to music and teaching, Jane was employed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Milwaukee and for the ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod. She was passionate about living out her faith through her daily life and touched countless people around her. Jane was an active member of St. Vincent De Paul and the St. Dismas Jail Ministry since 1992. She was involved in several small group ministries at St. John’s, including Prayer Shawls, Caring Community, book clubs, and bible study. 

Jane's true joy came from her love of family, animals, and the world around us. Jane was a volunteer at the Milwaukee County Zoo where she befriended giraffes, camels, and jaguars alike. And was involved with Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin (GRRoW) for over 20 years where she fostered 12 dogs at their end of life, was a dedicated GRRoW volunteer, and counseled countless families who wrestled with the heart wrenching decision to surrender their dog.

She is survived by her cherished children Daniel (Amy Straubhaar) Babcock of West Allis; Michael Babcock of Nashville, TN; Joanna (Pedro) Salinas of Mukwonago; and Steven Babcock of Waukesha; as well as grandchildren Isabella Blue Salinas; Benjamin Lucas Salinas; Rose Babcock; Samuel Antonio Salinas; and Ella Elizabeth Salinas. Jane will be missed by extended family members and countless friends.

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm-3:00pm on March 15, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 20275 Davidson Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045 with a memorial service at 3:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to GRRoW in memory of Jane Babcock at https://grrow.org/donate or to St. Vincent De Paul Dismas Jail Ministry at https://stvincentwaukesha.org/index.php/give-help/online-donations.