Obituary of Jane A. Mack

Bridgeport Public Health Pediatrician Dr. Jane Andrews Mack, a 61 year resident of Nichols, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, after a long life dedicated to her family and to serving others. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. A. Gerard Mack, and a grandchild, Emma Jane von Euler. She was born in Albany, NY on December 5, 1916 to Harold and Lillian Andrews and was the eldest of five children. She attended the Albany Academy for Girls and graduated from Vassar College. Following college she obtained a medical degree from Albany Medical College where she met her future husband, Jerry Mack. She was one of six women in Albany Medical College at the time. She accepted an internship at Bridgeport Hospital as the hospitals first woman intern and returned to Albany Medical College for her residency in pediatrics. She married Jerry during her residency, and after his tour of duty in the Navy they settled in Bridgeport where Jerry practiced OB-GYN while Jane stayed at home for 25 years to raise her family and to serve her community as a volunteer. Jane re-entered the medical profession in 1966 for what became a 40-year career as a Bridgeport public health pediatrician working part-time in school-based health clinics after the youngest of her seven children enrolled in kindergarten. At one point in her forty years of service she was the only pediatrician working at six clinics with thousands of patients. In 1999, Jane was honored for 25 years of service in the state Womens, Infants and Childrens Nutritional Program (WIC), a program that she was instrumental in bringing to Bridgeport. She also initiated and led Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness programs in the city. She received numerous other commendations over the years, including Dr. Mack Day in 2000, Girl Scouts Women of Distinction award in 2002, Certificate of Distinction by the Fairfield County Medical Association for her many years of medical practice and numerous other recognitions. Jane made quality health care for the children of Bridgeport her passion and formed lifelong relationships with her patients, treating generations of families. She retired from her medical practice at the age of 89 at the North End Clinic after it became a private practice. The clinic was dedicated in her honor. She said of her work, For me, this job is so rewarding, its selfish. In spite of her busy life as a dedicated medical professional, Jane always put her family first, including her husband, seven children, fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. At her 90th birthday celebration, Janes children and grandchildren wrote loving tributes to her that recalled her exceptional generosity, unfailing attentiveness, and humbling selflessness. Her enormous capacity to love and care for her large family seemed boundless. Her house was always filled with good people, bountiful food, and freshly baked cookies. Everyone loved puttering in the kitchen with Gram as she baked. She will be missed by many, especially by her family (and the birds, squirrels, and woodchuck at Carolton). She is survived by Peter and Ann Marie Mack, David and Ellen Mack, Susan and Peter Harvey, Steven and Meg Mack, Bob and Paula Mack, John and Joyce Mack, and Nancy and Peter von Euler. She is survived by her grandchildren Liz and Josh Jenisch, Thomas and Leslie Harvey, Dr. Peter & Jessica Mack, Peter Harvey, Stephen Mack, Greg Mack, Chris Mack, Shannon Mack, Geoff Mack, Katie Mack, Douglas Harvey, Eric Mack, Sarah von Euler, and two great-grandchildren, Virginia Harvey and Jones Jenisch. The family would like to express its gratitude for the loving care that she received by all of the staff at the Carolton Nursing Home. We also thank the John Mack family for its daily devotion to Janes care and well-being. Funeral Information A Memorial Mass celebrating Janes life will be held on Friday, November 26, 2010 at 2 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Shelton Rd., Nichols, CT with Monsignor Richard Shea officiating. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Janes memory to Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, 2470 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605.