Born January 19,1933, in Gettysburg, she was the daughter of the late Wilmer âJakeâ and Anna (Shealer) Dracha. Jane weighed just 3 lbs. at birth with little chance of survival. With love, goatsâ milk, and hot water bottles, she defied the odds.
After graduating from Gettysburg High School in 1950, Jane worked as a legal secretary and then served as a secretary at Gettysburg College.
Jane and Bill were married in Gettysburg June 24,1955 and resided in Shepherdstown, West Virginia where she was employed for the Dean of women at Shepherd College. Relocating to Pittsburgh for a couple of years, Jane and Bill then returned to Gettysburg to raise their family of three: Tim, Jen, and Bink.
After raising her children, Jane worked for the Gettysburg School District where she served as a kindergarten aid, working at the former Meade School and then Franklin Township Elementary School until her retirement.
Jane enjoyed reading, the mountains, attending her childrenâs and grandchildrenâs sports and other events, historical and nature documentaries and cowboy movies, going to the movies, and she rarely missed a Pittsburgh Steeler Football game.
Jane will be missed by all who have known her, and especially by her loving family.
Jane was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was devoted to her family. She is survived by her two children, Jenny K. Williams Simpson and her husband Rod of Gettysburg, and Todd J. âBinkâ Williams and his wife Lisa of Gettysburg; five grandchildren, Jessica Cammauf, Jamie Lowenthal, Julie Williams, Katie Williams , Ryan Weatherly and 11 great-grandchildren, Colton, Ava, Lily, Isaac, Chase, Carson, Delilah, Easton, Quincy, Scarlet, and Cal; a brother, Richard Dracha of Elliotsburg; and a sister, Susan Simpson of Littlestown; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Bill, Jane was preceded in death by a son, Timothy A. Williams who died March 25, 1993; a sister Dot Shindledecker, and brother Clarence âJakeâ Dracha. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2024 at St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA with Rev. Andrew Geib, officiating, Interment will follow the service in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published here.
We knew Jane and Bill as part of the athletic community. I worked with her at Meade School. Jane was warm, kind, friendly and funny. We feel fortunate to have known her and Bill. She will be missed.