Obituary of Jane V. Rapson
Miss Jane V. Rapson, age 86, a lifelong resident of Joliet, passed away, Sunday, May 25, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Born August 5, 1938, in Joliet, she was the daughter of the late Percy and Dorothy (Smith) Rapson.
Jane felt called at an early age to the helping professions and always wanted to be a nurse. She received her diploma in nursing from Augustana College of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from DePaul University. She later received her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Colorado.
As her career evolved, Jane taught the profession to others as an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Francis, where she inspired students looking to enter the healthcare field and pursue careers in nursing. She considered a highlight of her life serving as a member of the steering committee instrumental in developing a college of nursing from its inception when the St. Joseph Hospital of Nursing became a division of the University of St. Francis to offer an upper level of nursing education curriculum.
Jane also served as Parish Nurse for her church for many years, devoting her time to visiting older members of the congregation, checking on their health and safety, and doing a great deal of listening.
In addition to her nursing skills and her excellence in being a clinician and educator, Jane possessed expertise in the spiritual and cultural aspects of nursing, treating not only the bodies of her patients but their spirits and minds as well. Jane was also adept at caring for high-risk newborns.
For more than 50 years, Jane fulfilled her calling, caring for others with her strong dedication and compassion. Throughout her career, she encouraged students and fellow professionals to continuously educate themselves, as new methods of care and developments emerged in a constantly changing healthcare environment.
Outside of her career, Jane enjoyed swimming, playing baseball and basketball, reading, and being active in the organizations of her church.
The family would like to thank Marissa Chidsey, Jane’s guardian angel for the past year.
Jane was a woman of great faith and lived her life with great devotion to God, and was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.
Jane is survived by her loving sister and brother, Susan (David) Lockwood and Timothy Rapson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald and Terrence.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 310 N. Broadway St., Joliet, would be appreciated.
Funeral services for Jane Rapson were held privately and entombment was in Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
