Jane R. (Shenkowski) Umphrey

Shrewsbury – It is well known that behind every successful man is a strong woman…and that proved true for Jane and Glen Umphrey. Without official title Jane was instrumental in helping Glen as his business, Thermo Engineering, grew to its respected success. They were equal partners on the tennis court for a fun and competitive match of mixed doubles. Jane supported Glen’s interests and endeavors and he in turn did the same. There was not much they didn’t do with one another including hanging wallpaper masterfully. And perhaps the most important quality of their partnership is that they supported one another at home and beyond as they raised their four children…and the subsequent welcome of each grandchild and great-grandchild. It was a wonderful union.

Jane R. Shenkowski was born April 20, 1937, in Worcester, a daughter of the late Walter and Sophie (Choronzak) Shenkowski. Raised in Worcester, she was a graduate of Commerce High School with the class of 1955 and later earned her Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University in 1969. She married Washburn, Maine native Glen B. Umphrey on August 31, 1957, in the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Residents of Worcester for many years they moved to Shrewsbury in 1989. Glen died on January 6, 2013, after 55 years of marriage.

Jane died on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in the comfort and presence of her family at her much-loved home. She was 88. It is a wonderful reunion in heaven.

Her passion for gardening and flowers grew into a longtime membership with the Shrewsbury Garden Club. Not only did their flowers blossom and various projects grow wildly beautiful and successfully…so did many wonderful lifelong friendships. Jane was an avid tennis player and loved the sport with countless matches at the Worcester Tennis Club, Greendale Tennis Club, Holden Towers and Shrewsbury Raquet Club. She treasured quiet time in which she would read or create beautiful and unique quilts that when completed were treasured gifts to family and friends.

Glen planned ahead and built a home in West Harwich in 1953 and it was the place where many gathered throughout the years to enjoy the beauty of life by the ocean, in particular Jane’s much loved Grey Neck Beach where it afforded everyone a break from the hustle of life and brought everyone together.

Jane Umphrey was an extraordinary woman, a leader and beautifier of her community, a loyal friend, and a generous, faithful matriarch who will be sorely missed.

In addition to being reunited with Glen, in heaven she joins their son, Mark S. Umphrey; son-in-law, Craig L. Eckerman; her granddaughter, Elizabeth A. Umphrey; her great-granddaughter, Gianna Grace Umphrey-Wright; her brother, Gene Shenkowski.

She leaves her children, Kim M. Moore (Chester) of Montgomery, Texas, James G. Umphrey (Maureen) of Northborough, and Joy C. Federico (Barry) of Pelham, New Hampshire; her grandchildren, Dr. Mark Umphrey II (Angee), James Eckerman (Cindy), Jason Eckerman (Amy), Glen Nolan Ryan Eckerman (Amanda), Elijah Moore, Jay Umphrey, Tim Umphrey, Caitlin Umphrey, Matthew Umphrey, Nicholas Borrello, and Isabella Borrello; and great-grandchildren, Charlie, Maximiliano, Victoria, Penelope, Elliot, and Bianca; her sister, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Benoit of Auburn; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jane's life by gathering for an Evening Wake from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9th in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in the church. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of Jane's Mass please use this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/jane-umphrey

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Saint Mary's Parish, 18 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 https://stmarysparish.org/ or Shrewsbury Garden Club, P.O. Box 354, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or https://shrewsburygardenclub.org/donate/

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham