Jane Lane

Jane Maletz Lane passed away unexpectedly at 81 on December 22, 2025. Jane was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was born on December 13, 1944 to Dorothy and Leo Maletz of Lynn, MA, and was a longtime resident of Wayland, MA and Harpswell, ME, where she cultivated two beautiful homes and gardens full of native plants. Jane was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brother Roy Maletz. She is survived by her husband Earle Lane, her daughter Annabel Lane, her stepdaughter Cathy Rohrer and her husband Greg, her stepdaughter Jodi McGowan and her husband Bob, her sister Andrea Chambers and her husband Bill, her sister-in-law Linda Maletz, her nephew Drew Maletz and his wife Allegra, her niece Allison Henricks and her husband Tim, her niece Abigail Sooy and her husband Alex, and her grandchildren, Eliana, Scott, Molly, Eric, and Casey.

Jane loved children and the natural world. She was a teacher for many years and was happiest out in a meadow or the woods helping young children experience the magic of nature, whether one of her students or her own adored grandchildren. Jane’s creative spirit, spontaneity, and humor shone through wherever she went; she always had a new art or garden project that she was pursuing with enthusiasm and joy. She was also an avid Francophile, keeping up with reading and conversation in French and building friendships both local and international around this passion. Jane was very active and loved walking, kayaking, gardening, swimming, and, in earlier years, horseback riding. She encouraged the people in her life to try new things and was always eager to help others.

Donations in Jane’s honor may be made to the Nature Conservancy. A memorial service is being planned.