WESTFIELD – Jane C. Wensley, 71 (1947-2019) passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, March 3, 2019. She was born November 9, 1947 in Birmingham AL, the daughter of Margaret (Throckmorton) Caffey and Benjamin Franklin Caffey, MD. Jane was raised in Anniston, AL and was a graduate of the University of Alabama where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Her loyalty to the Crimson Tide never waned. After graduation Jane moved to Vermont where she met her late husband, Robert Pawson Wensley. She and Bob took up residence in Westfield in 1973. From the outset, she was active in civic and social affairs. At the time of her death she was serving her fourth term as a commissioner on the Westfield Municipal Light Board and was a dedicated member of the Westfield 350 Committee. She was a longtime member of Worthington Golf Club, the Hopefully Well Affected Club and Past President of the Noble Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the Church of the Atonement where she was an active participant in the Flower Guild. For several years Jane was co-owner of The Golden Phoenix Gift Shop in South Hadley and was also a partner in T & H Catering. In later years she was a familiar figure as a substitute teacher in the Westfield School System. Jane was a breast cancer survivor and took great pride in her participation and support of the Livestrong program at the Westfield YMCA. Jane’s enthusiasm and competitive spirit knew no bounds. Nowhere was this more evident than when she was competing on the courts with her pickle ball friends or playing Mah Jongg with the crew on Wednesdays. In an effort to quicken her step, she recently enrolled in tap dancing class. A patron of the arts, she was a frequent visitor at theaters and museums, a practice she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
Jane was predeceased by her husband, Robert. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Wensley Hunt (Jason) of Fredonia, NY , her son Robert Jeffries Wensley of Westfield, and her grandchildren Addison Wensley, Sophia Hunt and Ryan Hunt and four sisters; Carolyn Caffey Knapp (Ken), Margaret Caffey Tyler(Tracy), Patricia Caffey Kemp, all of Anniston, AL and Mary Helen Caffey of Fruithurst, AL.
Jane’s funeral will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019 with visiting hours from 9:30-12 noon at the Church of Atonement, 36 Court St. Westfield, with a funeral service at 12 Noon. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider The Westfield Athenaeum 6 Elm Street Westfield, MA 01085 or The Church of the Atonement 36 Court Street Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
