Jane Antoinette Dempsey

Jane (Jayne) Dempsey 

Jane was a lifelong Gig Harbor resident, who passed away peacefully December 12, 2025 surrounded by family. She was born Jan 17, 1938 to John and Pauline Stanich. She attended school in Gig Harbor before graduating high school from Aquinas Academy in 1956. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Gonzaga University in 1960. Gonzaga is also where she met her future husband, Thomas L. Dempsey. After a brief time living in Lakewood, they returned to Gig Harbor in 1968 with their two sons John and Tom, where they built a home and then welcomed daughter Annette into the family the next year. Prior to settling back in Gig Harbor Jane taught at various area grade schools, however, she put that career on hold while raising her family. She spent many hours driving the children to friends' houses, sports, and other events. When the children became more independent, she developed other career paths in local fashion modeling and coordinating fund raising events. She continued that path in hospitality positions, such as being a concierge at the Sheraton and other venues, in addition to part time substitute teaching. This culminated upon retiring into her most lasting memories as a volunteer at St. Anthony’s Hospital where she spent time helping at St. Anthony’s Closet, a Patient Advocate, as well as stints at Auxiliary officer positions. She loved to visit with relatives, friends and colleagues and especially her sons and daughter, with multiple calls a week to keep them informed and stay current on their and the grandkids’ lives. She also contributed her knowledge on the history of Gig Harbor to the Gig Harbor Historical Society.

 She was preceded in death by her parents John and Pauline, former husband Thomas L. Dempsey, and twin sons Peter and Paul. She is survived by sons John and his wife Claire; Tom and his partner Linda; and daughter Annette; her grandchildren Conor, Jessica, Ceara, Joshua and Kylie (Caleb); and great-grandchild Vincent.

 The family wants to thank the staff at Harbor Place where she enjoyed living independently for several years. We would also like to thank the caregivers at Agape Senior Care Adult Family Homes where she resided until her passing. In addition, thank you to Franciscan CHI Hospice with their amazing assistance.

 A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday Jan 9, 2026 at 11:30am, at St. Nicholas Catholic Parish. There will be a Vigil the night before at 6 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please feel free to support one of her favorite charities, Alzheimer's Association and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, or one of your own choosing.