Jane Patricia Whelan

Jane Patricia Whelan

April 4, 1929 – March 7, 2022 

Jane Patricia Whelan (née Cavanaugh), of Boerne, Texas, died on Monday, March 7, 2022, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Whelan.  Jane was 92 years old.

Jane P. Whelan was born on April 4, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, to Lawrence and Ann Cavanaugh. Jane was raised by this loving couple with Jane’s brother, Larry, and sister Mildred. Jane Patricia Cavanaugh attended Saint Michael’s Grammar and High School in Newark, New Jersey, and excelled in English, French and drama and was an all-star athlete. 

Jane, as a young woman, excelled in all sports, including archery and baseball and led her basketball team to the Newark City Championship in 1947. Jane was a student-athlete and earned salutatorian honors of her high school graduating class. She enrolled at Seton Hall University and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree with a focus on education.  

During her college years, Jane met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” James Whelan, and they were wed on March 4, 1951. The newlyweds started their new lives in San Francisco, where Jane taught in the California school system and Bob began his career as an FBI agent.  

Jane was a lovely mother, wife and devoted Catholic where her faith and love of life made her the spiritual guidepost of the Whelan family. Bob and Jane had a wonderful marriage of 70 years where they raised their three children, Michael, Joan and Patricia, with love and devotion in Washington Crossing, New Jersey. Jane’s grace was a constant either in the community, family events and on and off the tennis court.

After retirement in 1996, Jane and Bob moved to warmer climates in Boerne, Texas, where they created an equally strong Texan community with friends, family and a joy for life. Jane Whelan was a volunteer for many years at the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce and was a friend to everyone with whom she met.  

Lastly, Jane was a proud and patriotic American who enjoyed her freedom and was immensely proud of her family, flag and country. She will be remembered for her elegance, grace, boundless spirit and the love for her husband, family, grandchildren and countless friends.

Jane was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Bob. She is survived by her children, Michael R. Whelan of New York (wife Josephine “Dodie” Gumaer); Joan Whelan Angulo of Chicago (husband Jaime Angulo and grandchildren Katie and J.J.); and Patricia Whelan Schenck of Albuquerque (husband Robert Schenck and grandchildren Lillian, Augustus (wife Emily), Helen (husband David), George and Marian.  

The family would like to thank Jane’s wonderful caregivers over the past several years in Boerne and recent time at Eden Hill in New Braunfels, Texas. We would especially like to thank Becky Jensen, RN, Brandon Cobb, RN, Bradley Kayser, MD, John Galan, MD, Irene Castillo, RN, as well as the many Home Instead caregivers in Boerne, Texas. Our sincerest gratitude for all you did for Jane Whelan and the entire Whelan family. Thank you.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Boerne, Texas, with a reception to follow. All are invited to attend and celebrate Jane's full and wonderful life. Inurnment of ashes will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org. 

To leave condolences for the family and to view a video of Jane’s life, please visit.www.ebensberger-fisher.com.Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.