May 19, 1956 – Dec. 22, 2010

    Jane S. Heider of New Berlin passed away of a sudden illness Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital at the age of 54. She was born May 19, 1956, to William H. and Mary Anne (nee Burke) Kocher in Waukesha and attended Waukesha South High School.
    Her dear mother, Mary Anne, preceded her in death. Her adored father, William H. Kocher, and stepmother, "Nana" Barb, survive her. Jane was the beloved wife of J. Karl Heider of New Berlin; cherished mother of Michelle (nee Scholl) Andino of Los Angeles, Jennifer (nee Scholl) (Chris) Thomas of Waukesha and Mitchel and Megan Heider of New Berlin; beloved grandmother "Gamma" to Genesis and little Leighton; and dear sister of Maribeth (Sunil) Rao of Hubertus, Stephen Kocher of Springfield, Mo., and Andrea (Peter) Peckarsky of Mequon. Jane will be deeply missed by her adoring nieces and nephews, JoEllen and Isabella, Erica, Tori, Sean, Brendan, Alex, Riley, Natalie and Julianna. Jane will also be deeply missed by many cousins, aunts and uncles and true, life-long friends.
    Jane was a loving, dedicated and devoted mother, gamma, wife and daughter. She was loyal and hardworking. She had a special, tender heart for animals and children. She was a very good cook and took time to play the piano and sketch artwork for her children and grandchildren. She also was a prolific writer, penning many stories and poems. She thoroughly enjoyed her time with the children as the lead cook at Tonawanda Elementary School in Elm Grove and was affectionately known to the children as "Miss Jane."
    A memorial visitation to celebrate her life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at Church and Chapel, 1875 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield. A blessing will be given at 4 p.m. Casual attire is preferred.
    In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to Jane’s favorite charities, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County and ASPCA. Her gifts to her children this year for Christmas before her passing was donating to her favorite charities.
    Church and Chapel Ritter-Larsen Bros. Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 786-8030 or visit www.churchandchapel.com to view the online obituary, leave condolences or receive directions.