Jane Wilber-Kanche

JANE WILBER-KANCHE (nee Griffin) age 94, beloved wife of the late John Vernon Wilber MD and Michael G. Kanche; treasured friend of the late George Baumgartner; loving mother of John “Jack” Wilber MD (wife Nora), Wendie Cuckler (husband John), Douglas Wilber (Molly), Roger Wilber MD (Chantel), Julie Kuhl (husband Paul) and the late R. Geoffrey Wilber MD (wife Laila) and Laurie Wilber; caring step-mother of Joanne Gramelt (husband Rich), John Kanche (wife Melanie), Michael Kanche (wife Peggy), Karen Racz (husband Paul) and William Kanche (wife Linda); fond mother-in-law of Elizabeth Wilber and Margaret Wilber; devoted grandmother of Amy Holbrook DO (husband Jarrod), Charles “Chad” Wilber MD (wife Kim), Kaitlin “Kate” Wilber, Christen Gavin, William Wilber, Megan Smith (husband Aaron), Bethanie Jenkins (husband Greg), Laurie Cuckler, Mara, Andrew and Jack Wilber, Abigail Cuckler, Kurt Wilber, Nathan Kuhl, Scott Powers, Ryan Kuhl, Eric Powers, Brandon Kuhl and great-grandmother of J. Scott and Aubrie Matanick, Emma Holbrook, Lily Jenkins, Clara Holbrook, Quinn Smith, and Olivia Jenkins; “adopted” grandmother of Eian and Ellena Patel;cherished daughter of the late Howard, MD and Frances (nee Snyder) Griffin; dearest sister of the late Judson Griffin MD  (wife Edith, deceased) and Frances Wise (husband Jack, deceased);  dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Jane was born on May 22, 1923 in Binghamton, New York and passed peacefully away at home in Novelty, Ohio on June 13, 2017. Her deep love for Jesus Christ was the driving force throughout her life. She was a devoted wife and trusted mother to her family but also generously opened her heart and home to anyone who had a need. Growing up, she was blessed with many opportunities because of her special relationship with her parents and siblings. This solid beginning created a strength of character that enabled her to face the challenges that she encountered throughout her life time with optimism and hope. It also enabled her to maintain wonderful relationships throughout her life. She loved her friends and family and was always reluctant to miss a fun gathering (even though late).

After graduating from her mother’s alma mater, Randolph Macon Women’s College, she attended Case Western Reserve to obtain a master’s degree in Social Work. There she met her husband-to-be, Jack Wilber, who was studying Medicine. Once they were happily married, social work was quickly put to the side by their blossoming family and his medical practice in Warren, Ohio.

The first of challenges came with their fourth child, who passed away from Leukemia, in 1957, at the age of three. At this time, Jane’s enduring faith was strengthened and carried her through the tragedy. Out of this loss, Jack and Jane dedicated a children’s play room to Laurie Suzette at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio. The play ladies program there was established, as a result. She was actively involved with this program for many years.

Three children later they found their lives to be quite full with children, friends, church, and Jack’s medical practice which took them to Novelty, Ohio, where Jack took a new position. Jane’s next challenge came in 1967 with Jack’s sudden death. As a widow with six children, her life dramatically changed. Fortunately, her faith, friends, family, church, and special friend, George Baumgartner, helped her through the difficulties. During this time, she became very active faithfully serving at Ledgewood Christian Church and the Disciples of Christ Denomination in many capacities. In 1996, another child passed away and Jesus Christ, once again, was the Rock she built her life upon. Although she felt the great pain of this loss, she was comforted by the grandchildren that were beginning to fill her life and home with joy. Never one to be idle she also enjoyed travel, Bible study and her current event club.

After her 75th birthday, she had a pleasant surprise when she was reconnected with an old and very dear friend, Mike Kanche. Their friendship blossomed into a marriage. She not only gained a husband but a wonderful family. Although few, the years together with Mike were sweet and fulfilling. His passing, was again, very painful and brought her to the last season of her life. By this time, her faith was well seasoned to endure the coming years with peace, joy, grace, and sweetness of spirit. For five years, Jane was cared for by family and Cherished Companion’s caregivers. Yaa Dufie served her faithfully the final three years of her life. Jane will be remembered by her family and friends for her gratefulness, faith, strength, grace and great love. She will be dearly missed.

Contributions may be made in memory of Jane to Cleveland Christian Home 11401 Lorain Ave Cleveland, OH 44119.

Celebration of Life Service Monday, June 19, 2017 at 10 AM at the FUNERAL HOME. Burial will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery in Warren, Ohio at 2 PM. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jane at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) SUNDAY 2-6 PM.