Carthage - Jane A. Nortz, 86, formerly of 716 Elm St., died Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in the Skilled Nursing Unit of Carthage Area Hospital where she has resided for several years.

Jane was born in Carthage on December 10, 1927, the daughter of the late Levi and Anna Kelley Higman. She was a graduate of Augustinian Academy and the College of St. Rose, Albany. She worked at the Lab at Mercy Hospital in Watertown and the N.Y.S. Lab in Albany for 10 years before her marriage. She married Francis W. Nortz on August 8, 1959 at St. James Church in Carthage with the Rev. Alfred E. Nortz, cousin of the groom, officiating. Jane did volunteer work at Augustinian Academy and Carthage Area Hospital for years as well as worked on the Election Board.

Jane was a member of St. James Church, St. Joseph's Workers and the Carthage Area Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband Francis W. Nortz of Carthage, one daughter and her husband: Mrs. Steven (Mary) Ebele of Denver, CO, one son and his wife: Dennis (Donna) Nortz of Denver, CO, a sister: Joanne Raycraft of Carthage, a brother: Francis Higman of Niagara Falls and several nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and M. Patrick Higman, a sister, Lola Woods and two step sisters, Elizabeth Gaffney and Mary Freeston.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. George F. Maroun, Pastor officiating . Spring burial will be in St. Stephens Cemetery, Croghan.  Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home will be on Friday from 4-7pm .

Memorial donations may be made to the Augustinian Academy, 317 West St. Carthage, or to the Recreation Fund at the Skilled Nursing Unit of Carthage Area Hospital.