Jane E. (Brooks) Bowles, aged 89, of Marshfield, passed away peacefully at her residence under the loving care of her family on June 3, 2025. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her home community of Rockland.

Born in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Jane was the cherished daughter of John E. Brooks and Isabel E. (Studley) Brooks. In 1937, her family (including her brother, John, Jr.) moved to Rockland, where she spent her formative years, cultivated lifelong friendships, met her future husband, and establishedher family.

A highly gifted and dedicated student, Jane took pride in her academic achievements, notably being double promoted at the Central School in Rockland. Her remarkable efforts during her school years culminated in her becoming a standout athlete in 6-on-6 basketball. Her success in this sport was honed through countless hours of practice, shooting a rubber ball through a makeshift hoop crafted from a No. 10 can nailed to the garage wall at her family’s home on Plain Street. Her determination and diligence earned her the honor of being namedValedictorian of the Rockland High School Class of 1952. Her determination and academic excellence in her formative years laid the foundation for her successful career and personal life.

Jane pursued higher education at Sargent College of Boston University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Physical Education. She further enriched her academic experiencesthrough graduate studies at Bridgewater State College. Jane dedicated her professional career to teaching physical education, at first in the Stoughton, Abington, and then ultimately, Rockland Public Schools, specializing in adaptive lesson plans to ensure inclusivity for students of all abilitiesand at all grade levels.

In 1957, Jane united in marriage with Robert L. Bowles, himself the Valedictorian of Rockland High School’s Class of 1951. Their marriage marked the start of a partnership that spanned more than 60 years, characterized by shared travels in the 1960’s as tour guides across Europe, annual camping adventures in the 70’s and 80’s through eastern Canada and the United States, and a particular fondness for the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the beaches of Cape Cod, all the while keeping their roots in Rockland.

Upon retiring from her teaching career, Jane devoted herself to her family and faith. She was an active and longstanding member of the former First Congregational Church of Rockland, contributing to her community in various roles, including directing the Sunday School and serving as a Deaconess. Jane had a passion for the Boston Red Sox and was an avid reader, often sharing her favorite books with family and friends such as those in the Rockland Public Library Book Club.

Jane is survived by her sons Steven and Robert Jr., his wife Emily, and her grandchildren Elizabeth, Lianah, Aubrey, Quinn, and Valentina, all of whom she cherished. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert in 2018.

Visitation hours will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, located at 135 Union Street, Rockland. A reception will follow at the Rockland Golf Course, situated at 276 Plain Street, where friends and family are encouraged to share their fond memories of Jane. Internment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her name to a local charitable organization supporting education, children, or animals, causes which were close to Jane’s heart.