Jane Thomas

Jane Thomas, born Eva Jane Powel, grew up in Effingham, Illinois as an only child with her two parents, Eldon and Marie Powel. Jane has always been a high achiever, exceeding expectations in school, and participating in many extracurriculars such as playing multiple instruments, acting in plays, and baton twirling. A very defining part of her childhood was spending summers on her Mimi’s farm, as well as spending time with her many cousins who she has remained close with throughout her life. One of Jane’s passions and priorities in life was her education, graduating from Effingham High School, then studying journalism at the University of Iowa, getting her master’s degree at the University of Illinois, and later a doctorate in English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. Jane taught at Loyola University, Madonna University and Schoolcraft College, and following her PhD, served as a professor at the University of Michigan business school until she retired.

Jane’s greatest source of pride and joy was her family. Together with her husband Hugh, she raised her three sons, David, Hugh, and Clay, in Lake Forest, Illinois, later moving to Plymouth, Michigan. With every new addition to her family, Jane’s love only grew as she became a mother-in-law to Kristin and Bessy, and later, perhaps her favorite role of all, a Nana to her five grandchildren, Evan, Reed, Ava, Irena, and Ivana. She never missed an opportunity to support her family, attending every event, game, performance, and award ceremony with front row seats, the biggest supporter there. Jane also never missed an opportunity to tell those she loved how loved and cherished they were, reveling in giving as many positive compliments to someone as she could think of.

Jane loved reading, devouring countless books weekly, always looking for the next page-turner to stay up late to. She also enjoyed writing, including authoring novels, poems, and short stories, as well as having published several textbooks. Some of Jane’s other hobbies included puzzles such as crosswords and sudokus, playing the piano, spending time at her home in Trout Lake, walking several miles a day, lifting weights, target shooting, and volunteering. Jane was also an activist throughout her entire life, always finding opportunities to stand up for what she believed in.

Jane loved traveling the world. She studied in Mexico, and after, traveled to and taught in China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Singapore, and many other places. Jane was also very enthusiastic about learning languages, picking up important phrases everywhere she went, as well as becoming proficient in Spanish, French, Korean, and most recently, Greek. Later, she and Hugh took annual trips to the UK to visit family and explore its rich history, for which she was an avid learner of. Her recent trips to Greece and London with her granddaughters were among her favorites.

Jane was a beacon of pure love and joy. Her constant positivity, enthusiasm, strength and deep love for those around her will be forever remembered and treasured by all who had the honor of knowing her.

The Visitation will be held Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 912 E. Jefferson Ave., Effingham, Illinois 62401.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Roeper Institute to support their matter of equity work in Detroit. Please make check payable to Roeper Institute, 41190 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.