Jane Birge Obituary

Jane N. Birge
Jane Nicholas Birge, 96, of Stratford, CT, beloved wife of 71 years of the late James Raymond Birge, passed away on July 30, 2025, with her loving family by her side. She lived a full life filled with love, humor, a positive attitude, and above all, a deep dedication to her family.
Born on August 7, 1928, Jane was the daughter of the late Harry and Irene McLaughlin Nicholas. She is survived by her six children, their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews: Susan Birge of Stratford, CT and her children, Sarah Verrelli and her son, James, Meg and Francis Verret and their daughter, Eva, and Mike Verrelli and his wife, Halley, and their children, Theo and Gwen, and Hans van der Giessen; Stephen and Nancy Birge of New Hampshire and Georgia and their children, Erin and Greg Moore and their son, Wolfgang, Bonnie and Peter Bergeron and their son, Henry, Craig and Bernadette Strobl and their children, Maddi, Max and Miles; and Hannah Strobl and her daughter, Letha; James and Maureen Birge of Milford, CT and their children, Ryan and Alice Birge, and their daughter, Taylor, Elizabeth Jane (Bitty) and Chris Ritchie and their children, Emma and Tyler, Tim and Allison Birge, and their children, Gavin, Michaela Jane, and James; David of County Clare, Ireland; Mary (Betsy) and Mike Curran of Stratford, CT and their children, Molly and Pat Murphy and their children, Ellie Jane, Clare, and Riley, and Emma Curran; and Joan Campbell of Stratford, CT and her children, Christine Campbell and Jack Campbell. She is also survived by special niece, Valerie Evans, of Washington, DC and brother-in-law, John Stadtmueller. Jane was predeceased by family members: Fred and Marge Nicholas and their daughter, Jill, Alice Evans, Glenn Evans, Marie and Bill Minahan and their daughters, Kathy and Mary Ellen, Bob and Barbara Birge, Monsignor George (Bo) Birge, Jane and Dick Greenwood and their son, Bill, Ellen Stadtmueller, Nancy and Bob Goodrich, and granddaughter, Trisha Verrelli.
Jane grew up in the Whitneyville section of Hamden, CT, where she attended Putnam Avenue School and Hamden High School. She graduated from Colby College, now Colby Sawyer, in New London, NH. She met Jim through one of his sisters and their first date was at a Navy Mothers' Club Dance, where she met many of the large Birge family. They married on June 26, 1950.
After college, Jane worked at Yale's Sterling Memorial Library, which promoted her love of reading. It wasn't long before they began their family of six children and lovingly raised her children and participated in their many activities. She also enjoyed fostering her love of swimming, golf, skiing, horse racing, and travel with her family. She was a member of the Women's Bowling Team at the former Algonquin Club, in Bridgeport, and golfed at Brownson and Mill River Country Clubs. An avid reader, she was a frequent patron of the Library, and became a member of the Stratford Library Board. She enjoyed long walks with friends, trips to Ireland, Vermont, and New Hampshire to spend time with family, and eating out, especially at the Blue Goose Restaurant. Throughout her life, her greatest joy was time with family.
The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Eloise Jenkins, who gave loving care and kindness to Jane and Jim over many years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stratford Library or Sterling Community Center, both on Main Street, Stratford, CT.
A Visitation will be held at Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford, CT, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM at Saint James Church, 2070 Main Street, Stratford, CT. Burial in Beaverdale Memorial Park Cemetery in New Haven, CT, will be private.