WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  

Jane Sigrid Christensen Stuebner passed away at age 78 in the early hours of December 22, 2025, at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, following a long battle with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on November 5, 1947, in Winchester, Massachusetts, Jane was the daughter of Ralph Christian Christensen and Esther Freeborn Chace Christensen. From an early age, she was known for her kindness, good humor, and an inner light that illuminated the lives of those she loved. These qualities, instilled by her loving parents, never wavered. She was the heart and bedrock of her family, loving all with an unwavering strength of spirit.

Jane spent her early childhood in Virginia Beach, Virginia, before moving at age four to Port Washington, New York, with her parents and older brother, Warren (Butch). After graduating from Schreiber High School, she ventured on to college in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from Northwestern University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. While an undergraduate, she met the love of her life, Erwin August Stuebner, Jr., whom she married on September 21, 1968. They remained deeply devoted to one another until Erwin’s passing on August 20, 2025, and together they raised three cherished sons: Eric, Andrew, and Scott. Their lives together took them to Chicago, Ann Arbor and West Point, before finally settling in Williamstown, MA in 1976.

In 1987, Jane began her career as a Guidance Counselor at the Family Planning Council of Western Massachusetts, skillfully balancing her marriage, children, and career with grace and determination. While raising her family, Jane returned to school, studying for six years on weekends and attending night classes after managing the demands of home, work and family life. In 1993, she earned a Master of Arts in Community Psychology from Russell Sage College and was valedictorian of her graduating class.

Following graduation, Jane continued her work with the Family Planning Council (now Tapestry Health) for decades, providing guidance and vital support to countless individuals and young families. Selfless and deeply compassionate, she had a rare ability to recognize life’s goodness without ignoring its challenges. Her perspective shaped lasting relationships throughout the community and earned the admiration of friends and clients alike.

Jane found her greatest joy in being with her family. She loved gardening in the summer, playing tennis or golf with friends, and sitting with her husband on the deck or in their beloved living room chairs, simply talking. She was always ready for a late-night conversation, a walk around the block to enjoy the evening air, or to offer gentle, honest advice. She delighted in her sons and grandchildren with an unrestrained joy.

Above all, Jane was an extraordinary human being. She was deeply and immensely loved by her family, friends, and community. Though content to let others stand in the spotlight, she was the quiet backbone behind the accomplishments of her husband and sons. Her husband’s devotion to her was matched fully by her devotion to him. Her sons, their spouses, and her grandchildren will forever carry the imprint of her love. To call her merely a good person feels insufficient; Jane was the very best of people.

With Jane’s passing, a light has gone out in the world. It did not burn long enough, but it burned brightly and fiercely. She will be missed terribly by so many, and that is the truest measure of a life well lived.

Jane is survived by her three sons, Eric Stuebner; Andrew Stuebner and his wife, Cristina; and Scott Stuebner and his wife, Jessica; and by her beloved grandchildren Nolan, Sadie, and Emma Stuebner; Chace and Samuel Stuebner; and Zachary and Gabriel Downes. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Erwin August Stuebner, Jr., and her brother, Warren “Butch” Christensen.

There will be no calling hours, and burial will be private.

Donations in her memory may be made to the non-profit of your choice, with special consideration to Vista Life Innovations, based in Madison, CT.