Jane Mankowsky, 61, of Westwood, MA passed away the evening of July 28th surrounded by family and friends in Northfield, MA, after a long, well fought battle with cancer. Jane grew up in Turners Falls, MA, the daughter of Ralph & Joyce Mankowsky (both deceased). She attended local schools in Montague and graduated with honors from Turners Falls High School in 1981.  She was a well known athlete who played varsity basketball, field hockey, and softball. Jane graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a BS in Food Science and Nutrition. Jane moved to the Boston area where she worked in the nutritional field before moving on to the insurance industry. She worked for Liberty Mutual then had a lengthy career at Plymouth Rock Assurance Company as a Senior Claims Adjuster.

Jane enjoyed going to the beach with her many friends, camping with her parents and family, playing bingo, watching movies and visiting museums and casinos.  She also enjoyed skiing in Stowe, VT and visiting Newport with college friends in the summers.. Jane ran the New York City Marathon in 1995. 

Jane loved spending time with her family and friends. She adored her seven nieces and nephews as if they were her own children and attended their football, basketball, and baseball games, gymnastic competitions, weddings and baby showers. She never hesitated to lend a hand with babysitting, cooking or putting on a party or event. Jane loved shopping...especially for a bargain.  She frequented estate sales and yard sales. She traveled to many places including: Paris, Harwichport, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, New York City, California, the Caribbean Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Jane loved her family more than anything. She was instrumental in caring for her mother and father, even as she fought her own battle with cancer. In their times of need, she often visited her elderly aunts and uncles.She was known for bringing them homemade treats— cookies, pies, and breads.  Jane was especially close to her Uncle Bob and Aunt Jeanette LaRoche, and spent many nights in their New York home.  Jane will be remembered for her smile, laughter, love for family and friends, and willingness to help out whenever and however needed.

Jane leaves her three siblings:  Marilyn Freedman (James) of Westwood, Jim Mankowsky (Denise) of Erving, and Maureen Barisano (Donnie) of Greenfield; her nieces and nephews:  Sarah (Mailloux) Limoges (Nick) of Erving, Matthew Freedman (Sara) of Roswell, GA, Jeremy Mankowsky (Emma) of Quincy, MA,  Alexander Barisano (Brittany) of Greenfield, Andrew Barisano (Jackie) of Greenfield, Alexandra Freedman of Fort Myers, FL, and Trevor Mankowsky of Erving, and her dear lifelong friend Amy (Novak) Hendricks (Jeff) of Northfield, MA.

Services will be held Friday, September 26, 2025  8:30am at Kostanski's Funeral Home in Turners Falls, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am at Our Lady of Peace Church with Rev. Stan Askimit officiating. Burial to follow in St. Anne's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Turners Falls Athletic Association, P.O. Box 11, Turners Falls, MA 01376