Jane M. Wessels

Jane Marie Wessels, 80, passed away on August 5, 2026, after a long journey with vascular dementia. Throughout her life, Jane possessed a quiet strength that could easily be underestimated. That strength remained with her until the very end.

Jane was born on December 11, 1945, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Joseph and Hazel Haneghan. She grew up in Galesburg as one of 13 children and attended Galesburg High School, later earning her GED.

On August 31, 1961, Jane married the love of her life, Raymond Lee Wessels. Together, Jane and Ray built a beautiful life and family. They shared nearly 39 years of marriage before Ray's death on May 30, 2000. Jane carried her love for him with her throughout the rest of her life.

Jane is survived by her daughters, Vickie Wessels-Murphy (Jim Murphy) of Palatine, Illinois, and Brenda (Brad) Harrell of Galesburg, Illinois. She is also survived by Vickie and Jim's children, Zachary, Maxwell and Courtney; and Brenda and Brad's daughters, Cassandra, Chanda and Ciera. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Linda Haneghan, Lois Haneghan and Glenda Haneghan; and her brother-in-law, Larry Milan.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond; her parents, Joseph and Hazel Haneghan; and all 12 of her siblings: Alice, Dorothy, Joseph, William, Leo, Robert, Gloria, Leon, Carl, Gerald, James and Stephen.

Jane worked at JCPenney for more than 20 years and was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Patrick Catholic churches in Galesburg.

Jane would readily describe herself as a “homebody,” but she was also willing to join in on an adventure. Over the years, she traveled on many family vacations with Vickie, Jim and their children, creating memories that her family will always treasure. She also cherished the time she spent with Jim's extended family, who welcomed Jane into their lives and always treated her as one of their own.

Some of Jane's favorite things were simple ones: reading a good book, listening to Elvis, window shopping, enjoying a good dessert, and having a Pepsi with her meal—even if she had to bring her own.

But nothing brought Jane greater joy than the time she spent with Zachary, Maxwell and Courtney.

Being “Nana” to them was one of the great joys of Jane's life. She was supportive, kind, cuddly and nurturing, and she delighted in every aspect of their lives. When they were little, she was always ready for a game of “Silly Silly Nana,” and as they grew, her interest in them never faded. She celebrated their accomplishments, worried about their struggles, listened to their stories and simply loved being with them.

In 2024, as the effects of dementia made living independently more difficult, Jane left the Galesburg community she had called home for nearly eight decades and moved to Palatine, Illinois, to be closer to Vickie and her family.

Jane’s greatest happiness could be found simply in being with the people she loved. She leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply, but who will carry with them the comfort of knowing how deeply they were loved by her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. A celebration of Jane's life will follow the burial at the Thomas Legacy Center. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.