Mary 'Jane' Richter, esteemed educator
Mary 'Jane' Richter, 77, of Dover, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, after a courageous fight with cancer. She was at her beloved beach house in Henlopen Acres, Rehoboth Beach, surrounded by family at the time of her passing. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
Jane came to Delaware from Red Bank, N.J. She was the daughter of the late Ross and Esther (Herr) Wiley, with a surviving brother, David Ross Wiley, now of Beaufort, S.C. Growing up on the iconic Jersey shore, Jane learned to love the beach at an early age. Unknown to many, a neighbor awakened her talent for the piano, which carried her all the way to a performance at Carnegie Hall.
Jane attended the University of Delaware, where she met and later married John 'Jack' Richter. After a short stint in Elmira, N.Y., the young couple settled in Dover. Jack and Jane were married for 58 years and have two daughters, Jackie Richter-Menge of Hanover, N.H., and Andi Pedigo of Lewes.
One of Jane’s proudest achievements was her return to the University of Delaware to complete a degree in early childhood education in 1981, the same year as Jackie received her master’s degree. Later she was honored to serve on the university’s board of trustees. Jane also served the Delaware Technical Community College in Dover as an adjunct faculty member, helping establish their Early Childhood Education Program.
Most every facet of Jane’s life was linked in one way or another to education. One cannot think about Jane without being reminded of her long connection to The Little School. Jane and The Little School went hand in hand. She began her career in 1963 as a preschool teacher, leading to her ownership and directorship of the school in 1975.
As part of her retirement plan, Jane created and maintained a partnership in The Little School at Kids Cottage until her passing. She took special pride in remembering alumni of the school, often surprising former students by mailing them a newspaper clipping that highlighted a recent accomplishment. Jane enjoyed helping people, especially children.
Jane was an icon in Dover, contributing to the community in many ways. For instance, she served in roles from a volunteer candy striper to a member of the board of directors at Kent General Hospital; as a trustee for the Biggs Museum of American Art; and as a lifelong member and board member of the Friends of Old Dover. Jane always looked forward to donning her colonial garb on Old Dover Days to lead The Little School children in their dance around the maypole.
Jane also had a long association with the Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Disabilities. Starting as an enthusiastic volunteer, she became a trustee of the organization in 1972. Jane served as the down state DFRC chair of the Blue and Gold Football Committee for over 50 years and founded and chaired the annual Kent County Blue Gold Golf Tournament, held at Maple Dale Country Club for 21 years.
Jane was a disciple and active member at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach. She especially enjoyed participating in the English as a Second Language and International Student Dinner programs at the church. She was well appreciated for her many pots of steaming sweet corn, plates of chocolate brownies, and her ready smile of warm greeting.
In addition to her husband and daughters, Jane loved and was loved by her six grandchildren, Jenn and Katherine Menge and Allie, Brad, Jack and Will Pedigo; and her sons-in-law, Richard Menge and Bob Pedigo.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, at 11 a.m. A lunch for all will follow at the church.
The family thanks the large network of family, friends and caregivers who provided help and prayers to support Jane. It made a difference.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made by check to the M. Jane Richter Scholarship Fund, sent c/o The Little School at Kids Cottage, 105 Mont Blanc Blvd., Dover, DE 19904.
Condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com.
