GWYN, Jane Smith Stickney (Mrs. William B. Gwyn), age 80, passed away of pancreatic cancer on October 10, 2017, after a brief hospice stay in Uptown New Orleans.
A New Orleans native, she was born Jane Florence Smith on October 13, 1936. She attended New Orleans Public Schools and graduated with honors from Sophie Newcomb College in 1958. In 1959, she married Robert Lawrence Stickney, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts. During their 29-year marriage, which ended with Bob’s untimely death in 1988, she raised two children, helped build a thriving business – Stickney Marine Surveying, and renovated several Uptown homes. In 2006, she married Dr. William B. Gwyn, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Tulane University.
Jane was an active member of St Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Session. She believed in the value of committed and dedicated volunteers and practiced that belief by volunteering in the New Orleans Public Schools, serving on the Board at St. Anna’s Home (former President), reading for WRBH Reading Radio, serving as a guide for the National Park Service’s Trails and Rails Program, and being a blood and platelet donor for many years. Jane was renowned for her organizational skills and had a file for virtually everything, along with a checklist to make sure things were done on time and properly, qualities that made her invaluable to the organizations where she volunteered.
She was a member of the Swiss American Society of New Orleans and a former member of the Friday Afternoon Club (President). Jane enjoyed her part-time work at Maple St. Book Shop and was a member of the Bookish Group. She frequently attended the New Orleans Opera, as well as various concerts and cultural events in and around New Orleans. In addition to her volunteer work and social activities, she displayed great kindness, generosity, and a helping hand to many relatives, friends, and acquaintances throughout her life.
Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Stickney; her brother, Edgar Moret Smith, and three sisters – Dixie Marie Myers, Emilie Virginia Phelps, and Joyce Lee Smith. She was the daughter of the late Edgar Ethelred Smith of New Orleans and Emilie Moret Smith of Fribourg, Switzerland. She is survived by her husband, William B. Gwyn and his family; her children, Emily Stickney Morrison (husband Campbell) and Robert Arthur Stickney (wife Jean); her grandchildren, Sarah Stickney Murphy (husband Brendan), Rachel Sangston Stickney, Robert Lawrence Stickney II, Forrest Campbell Morrison, Smith Christopher Stickney, and Benjamin Stickney Morrison; and her great-grandchildren, Jean Rose Murphy, and Charlotte Emilie Murphy. A large, extended, family of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends will also miss her very much.
A memorial service will be held at 3: 00 p.m. on October 19, 2017, at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1547 State St., New Orleans, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, in Frampton Fellowship Hall (entrance on State St.). The family requests that donations be made to St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian (address above) or to WRBH Reading Radio, 3606 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
September 13, 2022
Friend
Anne Blanchet
Thinking of your mother, today. What a wonderful friend and mentor she was to me at the beginning of our marriage and through our church work. Ben and I send our greetings.
October 22, 2017
Pat
I am so sorry for your loss. May you gain comfort by pouring out your deepest emotions to God in prayer.
October 17, 2017
Jane was a perfect gentle woman...compassionate, kind, funny, smart. She was a classmate at Newcomb and a dental patient of my late husband and my son-in-law. I know you shall miss her . The world lost a special love for. May the God she served so well comfort you all.
Ruth Kathmann
October 16, 2017
Stacy
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
October 15, 2017
Emily Lemann, DVM
To Mr Gwyn and all the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs Gwyn as her veterinarian when she would bring in her dog, Sake, for her many check-ups. Her love and devotion for her sweet dog was inspiring to witness and she radiated love when she spoke of her grandchildren. She was a beautiful person. Truly Heaven is blessed with Mrs. Gwyn's arrival. She will be deeply missed. My condolences to the family.
October 13, 2017
G. G.
To the Gwyn family, you have my deepest condolences. I hope knowing that you're in the thoughts and prayers of many bring a measure of comfort. We look forward to the time when all things that cause sickness and death will be eradicated by God's Kingdom. - Matthew 6:9-10
October 12, 2017
Heather Smith
After my mother's passing (Jane's sister, Dixie), I felt my Aunt Jane was my go to. She was truly a Southern lady in every way. She left us too soon.
October 12, 2017
Helen Joffe
We've lost one of the last of the truly fine Southern ladies with Jane's passing. She was an exceptional friend, mentor, and confidante. There has been a significant disturbance in "the Force." Rest in peace lovely lady. You will be sorely missed.
October 12, 2017
Susan Johnson
Jane was a good friend to my parents. She was always a kind and gentle presence. Our condolences to Bill Gwyn and Emily and Robert and their families.
October 12, 2017
Eleanor Maier
Jane was one of the kindest, sweetest, most generous and caring people I have ever known. I will miss her smile and loving cheerfulness, her calming equanimity. My heart goes out to her family. May God be with you and heal your pain. With love from an old friend.
October 12, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family. May the assurance at Psalms 29:11 provide comfort to you at this difficult time.
October 12, 2017
Jack Goodman
Cheryll and I will miss her very much. So smart and caring and a joy to spend time with.
October 12, 2017
grainger
She was such a shining light and so dear to my family.
October 12, 2017
May you take comfort in the fact that god will make you firm and he will make you strong in your time of sorrow
October 12, 2017
Candy (Kirby) Cranch
I treasure my friendship with Jane. She was a kind and loving soul. A bright and guiding light to many of us who knew her.
October 12, 2017
Fran McArthur Santos
Her kindness and giving spirit made the world a better place.
Fran McArthur Santos
October 12, 2017
Fran McArthur Santos
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Oct
19
Funeral services provided by:
Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more