Jane A. Scanlon

Jane Ann Scanlon, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully after a life filled with love, laughter, family, travel, and cherished friendships.

Jane was born at home during a January blizzard and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The daughter of the late Clarence and Susan (Murphy) Currier, Jane attended St. Patrick’s Grammar School and High School and later attended Essex Agricultural School where she studied nutrition.  Jane worked for many years as a dietitian at Bon Secours Hospital before becoming a homemaker and devoting herself to raising her four children.

Jane married the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Scanlon, and they shared 18 years of marriage before his passing in 1972. She was a devoted mother who took great pride in her two daughters and two sons. Her greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment with her ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved.

Jane had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. She was known for her beautiful smile, her warmth, and her wonderful sense of humor. People often said, “I love Jane’s smile. She lights up a room and puts a smile on everyone’s face.” That smile—and the love behind it—will be remembered by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Jane shared a special, lifelong friendship with Anne Priestley, who was more like a sister to her. As young girls, they went skating on the weekends. As adults, they looked forward to going out to dinner together almost every weekend, sharing laughter, conversation, and good food at Cedar Crest. Her friendship with Anne was a treasured part of Jane’s life.

Jane also had a true spirit of adventure and loved to travel. She made many trips to California and then Texas to visit her daughter Susan, son-in-law Joseph, and her three granddaughters. Later in life, she enjoyed vacations in Florida and trips to Disney World. Las Vegas was one of her favorite destinations, where she had the opportunity to see her favorite singer, Celine Dion. For her 80th birthday, Jane returned to Las Vegas to see Cirque du Soleil—and may even have tried her luck at a few slot machines along the way.

In 2018, Jane moved to Palm Coast, Florida, with her son William and daughter-in-law Dawn. She enjoyed the warmer weather, neighborhood gatherings, and the opportunity to make new friends. Although she lived there for only a short time, Jane’s kind and welcoming nature made a lasting impression, and she was dearly loved by all who knew her.

For the last three years, Jane resided at Aviata at Grand Oaks, where she received wonderful care and formed many meaningful relationships. Her caregivers and friends there appreciated her bright smile, gracious spirit, and ability to bring joy to ordinary moments.

Jane is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Joseph Arenella and Kathleen and Douglas Phair; her sons and daughters-in-law, William and Dawn Scanlon and Eugene and Jill Scanlon; her grandchildren, Jessica Arenella, Sarah Arenella and her fiancé, Trey, Elizabeth Toynes and her husband, Russell, Tyler Phair and his wife, Jennifer, Nicholas Phair and his wife, Anna, Evan Phair, Caitlin Scanlon and her partner, Matthew Snell, Erin Hubbard and her husband, Brendan, Alex Scanlon, and Connor Scanlon; and her great-grandchildren, Kennedy Toynes, Liam Hubbard, and Sophia Phair. Jane is also survived by her brother-in-law, John “Jack” Scanlon, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

Besides her parents, Jane was predeceased by her beloved husband, Eugene “Gene” Scanlon; her brother, Father William Currier; her sister-in-law, Lucy Scanlon and her cherished best friend, Anne Priestley.

Jane’s life was defined by the love she gave and the happiness she shared. Her smile, laughter, kindness, and loving spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday September 18, 2026 from 9am to 11am at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway, Methuen. Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 11:00 am on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at St Mary Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence.  In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Jane’s memory with a donation to a charity that is near and dear to your heart. To leave an online condolence, please visit Jane’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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