Reverend Jane Frances Flaherty

The Reverend Jane Frances Flaherty, age 84, died May 16, 2024 at Liberty Village in Jerseyville, Illinois. Born June 29, 1939, in Alton, she was the daughter of Frank and Julia (Schulz) Flaherty. After their death she was raised by Harry and Rose (Schulz) Scoggins. Jane attended St. Bernard's School in Wood River and Marquette High School in Alton. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in St. Louis, MO. She earned a M.A. from St. Louis University, an Ed.D from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, and a Masters of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary in New York City. As Sister Mary Fidelis, she taught in Catholic schools in St. Louis. She made visitations in the Pruitt-lgoe Housing Project, taught in the Voluntary Improvement Program (VIP) at St. Bridget's Church, established and administered a VIP program at St. Theresa's Church in St. Louis. After moving to New Jersey in 1969, she worked for the New Jersey Department of Education at Newark State College, supervising adult education teachers and training teachers, for the Plainfield Public Schools as an Administrator of Adult Education, and for the Educational Testing Service, Princeton NJ, as an administrator of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). After graduating from General Theological Seminary, she was ordained as a Deacon in 1991 and Priest in 1992. She served at Trinity Episcopal Church, Moorestown, NJ, and at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, VA. She also served as Ecumenical Officer for The Diocese of Southern Virginia. After retiring in 2004, she returned to Alton, IL where she attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church. During this time, she volunteered to teach Bible Study and conducted weekday services at Trinity Chapel. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her aunt and uncle, Harry and Rose Scoggins. She is survived by her sister, Mary Anne Magee and her husband Pat of California; her cousin Janet (Scoggins) Francis and her husband Bill of Alton; her cousin Jim Scoggins and his wife Rosemary of Florida; their children and grandchildren. Following cremation, a memorial Mass and Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday June 8th, 2024. The Rev. Garron Daniels will officiate. A reception will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church following the services. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or Oasis Women’s Center in Alton, to the School Sisters of Notre Dame in St. Louis, or churches where she served in New Jersey and Virginia. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Reverend Jane Frances Flaherty

June 29, 1939 - May 16, 2024