Jane Louise Reninger Burtis of Crosslands, Kennett Square, a former longtime resident of Swarthmore, died peacefully at Crosslands on May 4, 2012, surrounded by her children. She was 87.
Jane was the second daughter of Brigadier General Henry A. and Helen Marion Wallace Reninger. While she was born in Lancaster, she grew up in Allentown where she attended public schools through the ninth grade. She then was enrolled for one year as a day student in Bethlehem at Moravian Academy, the oldest girls' school in the country. Jane finished her high school education at Walnut Hill School, Natick, MA, and then entered Mount Holyoke College where she pursued a curriculum in child psychology.
On April 7, 1945, Jane married Stokes Fenimore Burtis, Jr. of Bethlehem, a Princeton graduate, who was then a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. At the end of the war, the couple joined Stokes' parents in Winston-Salem, NC in 1946. During their 6 years there, their two daughters were born, and Jane was active as a community volunteer. In particular, as a member of the Junior League of Winston-Salem, she relished her role as a radio broadcaster, reading to children selected books and other educational material as part of their school programs.
Shortly after the family moved to Swarthmore in 1953, their son was born. In addition to acting as a homemaker while their children were growing up, Jane once again was involved in many local organizations as a volunteer. At the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, she was a Deacon, a member of the Women's Association, and served on numerous committees. As an active member of the Junior League of Philadelphia, she fulfilled her service commitment by selecting programs which enabled her to continue her work with children. Like her mother, Jane was a member of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Colonial Dames of America and supported their mission of education of American history and historical preservation. When her children were grown, Jane was employed part-time in the Alumni Office of Swarthmore College for 8 years. Until her death, she also thrived on the many close relationships formed through her garden, bridge, and book clubs, as well as her tennis group.
For almost 25 years Jane and Stokes enjoyed the fall and winter months at their second home in Stuart, FL. After moving to Crosslands in 1997, the couple continued to travel extensively in the United States and Europe with friends and family members.
Jane was predeceased by Stokes, her husband of more than 64 years. She is survived by two daughters, Marianne Moorer (the late Robert) of West Chester and Elizabeth "Betsy" Stedje (J. Eric) of Rose Valley; a son, Stokes "Bud" III (Ellen Anderson) of San Francisco; and a grandson, John Stedje of Charlotte, NC.
Friends are welcome at a memorial service at 10:30 am on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Crosslands1660 East Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Interment will be private in the Memorial Garden of the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church.
Contributions in her memory may be made either to Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, 727 Harvard Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081 or Kendal-Crosslands Communities, Employee Appreciation Fund in memory of Jane L. Burtis, Crosslands Administration, P.O. Box 100, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home of Kennett Square. For further information, please visit www.griecocares.com