1909
2014
Jane Pharr Gage, age 104, was born December 19, 1909 in New Orleans, LA and passed away peacefully May 1, 2014 at Lambeth House. She is survived by her three children: Katherine Pharr Gage, Mims Gage Jr. and Dr. John Ochsner Gage. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Smith Pharr and Henry Newton Pharr; her husband, Dr. Idys Mims Gage; her brother, John Newton Pharr and her cousins, Mary Elizabeth Pharr and Henry Newton Smith. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Hillary Gage-Karcher, Amy Gage Yildizli, Julian Gage, Joshua Gage and Trevor John Gage; a great grandson, Aiden Gage; her two nieces, Betty Pharr Moran and Jane Pharr Stewart; a great niece, Kathryn Moran Van Aalst and her cousins: Elizabeth Smith Hassell, Newton Pharr Smith and Norwood Courtlandt Smith.
Jane Gage grew up outside of New Iberia, LA on a sugar plantation before moving to New Orleans to attend Miss McGehee's School from which she graduated in 1928. She received a B.A. in English from Newcomb College in 1932 and in 1934, a Masters in Sociology with certification in Medical Social Work. She worked in the Social Services Department at Charity Hospital until she married Dr. Mims Gage in 1937. Jane devoted herself to her family but utilized her social work skills in other ways. She helped to organize the Community Volunteer Service which placed volunteers in non-profit organizations – a new concept in the late 1930s. She was a member of the boards of what is now Children's Hospital, serving as Secretary and Chair of the Personnel Practices Committee; Family Service Society; The Girl Scout Council and Louise S. McGehee School. When her sons were students at Henry W. Allen School, she was president of the PTA. Jane was a member of the Ochsner Board of Councilors for many years and an emeritus member at the time of her death. She was also a Cub Scout den mother. In the 1960s, at the request of the head of Tulane's Department of Pediatrics, Jane became an active medical social worker again, working one day a week and volunteering one day.
Jane was a member of the Junior League for more than 70 years and she received its Sustaining Award in 1964. She was honored for her help in organizing the local unit of the American Diabetes Association and was named an Honorary Member of the Orléans Club. She was also a senior member of the Quarante Club.
Jane was a member of Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church for more than 80 years and was very involved in all aspects of church life.
The family wishes to express appreciation to the Lambeth House staff; her devoted caregivers: June Washington, Andrea Lee, Valencia Kelly, Kim Celestine, Nacole Beverly, Doreall Jupiter, Shakena Charles, Louisa Johnson, Nichelle Carter and the staff at Advantage Nursing Services as well as Hospice Compassus.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service which will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 5, 2014 at Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church, 3900 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, LA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church, Louise S. McGehee School, Lambeth House Foundation or Ochsner Clinic Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 10, 2014
Allison George
Dear Katherine, What a blessing it was to have known your wonderful mother, Jane. When I think of Rayne Memorial, I always think of her and her beautiful, loving spirit. It is blessing to have known her. My prayers are with you, love,
Allison (Brennand) George
May 6, 2014
Cynthia Dickinson
Katherine, Mims and Johnny,
As you know,your precious Mother was so very special to so many. My heart is broken for you.I was lucky growing up...all I had to do was walk around the block to see her wonderful smile!
My love to each of you. Dibbie Wagner Dickinson
May 6, 2014
Allison Raynor
It was such a treat to know Jane. She always had a smile and kind word for everyone, and her happy ways were infectious. Katherine, I am thinking of you and sending a big hug.
May 6, 2014
Becky Roussel
Katherine,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 5, 2014
Dr.Carmen I Posada_Pepper
For many years I had the pleasure and fortune of knowing Jane as a devoted worker,mother.and friend.We workedtogether at CharityHosp Pediatrics clinic for diabetic children and in N.O.Diabetic Assoc. She was very caring and a great help to all. We are never ready to lose someone we love but we will always have memories shared to cherish!My prayers to the family for peace and comfort.
May 5, 2014
Anne Walmsley
I feel privileged to have known such a wonderful person as Jane Gage. She will live in the hearts of all who knew her. A fine example of how to live a full and beautiful life. sincerely, Anne Walmsley
May 4, 2014
eileen wallen
she will be very much missed by all her friends and family may her memory be a blessing we send our deepest condolences
May 4, 2014
What an incredible legacy this genuine Lady leaves!!!!
Always smiling, gracious and kind.
Her death is a loss to the entire community.
We are blessed that she touched our lives.
She will be missed.
Eugenia and Tommy
May 4, 2014
Ana Alexiou
All members of the Alexiou family from Thessaloniki, Greece, are sending you their condolences and deepest sympathy for the loss of one of the sweetest and outstanding ladies they have ever met.
May 3, 2014
Patricia Fantoni
What a wonderful life. She will be so missed, and I will miss talking to her from Louisville. My sympathy to all who loved her.
May 3, 2014
Bootie Farnsworth
Katherine, Mims, and John,
My deepest sympathy to you all. Your Mom was truly the epitome of a lovely lady. I have always admired her and know that she will be truly missed by all. My love to you all. Bootie Born Farnsworth
May 3, 2014
A.J. & Toni Fontana
Mims
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Out thoughts and prayers go out to you and to your family.
May 2, 2014
linda maumus
What a lovely lady! My prayers to the family...especially Katherine.
May 2, 2014
CYNTHIA AYRES
Mrs. Gage was a truly lovely Southern Lady. My deepest sympathy to her family.
May 2, 2014
Zide Bowers Jahncke
Sincere sympathy.
Fondly, Zide
May 2, 2014
Zide Bowers Jahncke
Sincere Sympathy.
Fondly, Zide
May 2, 2014
Bay Chamberlain
What a beautiful human being and a great friend to my Mama. She will be greatly missed, but has received a well deserved rest.
May 2, 2014
Robley Hood
Mrs. Gage was a true tower of strength. Katherine, please know that I am thinking of you and your extended family.
Robley Hood
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