Jane Lee (Milton) Bainbridge

WAUSAU, Wis. - Jane Lee (Milton) Bainbridge, age 76 years, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, after a four-week hospital stay.

She was born on April 7, 1945, in Portage, the daughter of Vincent and Dorothy (Allen) Milton. She graduated from West High School in 1963 and was united in marriage to Thomas Mason Bainbridge on Aug. 4, 1967, at the Glenwood Moravian Community Church. Jane graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1968 with a degree in education. She taught fourth and fifth grades in the Madison Metropolitan School District.

She lived by the motto: "Work hard, play hard." She was extremely dedicated to her role as an educator and gave so much of herself to her students. She had a special gift of communicating with children on a respectful level always highlighting the positive and holding high expectations for all her students. She was often visited by former students, in her classroom setting, just to tell her that she made education fun and exciting.

She cherished her family and adored her twin granddaughters, Abigail and Madeline. She was a devoted fan at their many soccer games and tennis matches, cheering them on from kindergarten through 12th grade. Jane enjoyed all activities including playing indoor soccer with her daughter, Tasha, as well as volleyball, softball and golf. She made sure to find and highlight the "fun" in all she did. She valued her friendships and was a "best friend" to many.

Upon retirement, Jane and Tom moved from Madison to the Northwoods. During the winter in Iron County, you could find Jane on the slopes of Powderhorn Mountain and, during the warmer months, riding on the ATV trails, walking on the track at the community college, boating on the Gile Flowage, or rollerblading at the park.

Jane was compassionate and always identified with others. She found a community within the First Presbyterian Church in Hurley, in which she was active with the Bertha Circle. She was inspired by their mission and thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent laughing and having fun with her fellow friends.

During her later years, Jane lived courageously with the daily pain of rheumatoid arthritis. She always maintained a positive mood and optimistic outlook. "Every day that I wake up and am able to put my feet on the floor I say, I am so lucky! Thank the Lord." Jane lived every day, unwilling to be defined by her illness.

She will be forever loved, celebrated, admired, remembered, and missed more than words can express.

Jane is survived by her husband, Thomas; son, Thaddeus Bainbridge; daughter, Tasha (Michael) Bremel; twin granddaughters, Abigail and Madeline Bremel; and sister, Joann (Gary) Pivotto.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Frank Milton, and sister, Teri Nolen.

A memorial service will be held at Midvale Lutheran Community Church on Wednesday, May 25, at 11 a.m. in Madison. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the organization of your choice.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Jane's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.