Jane A. Barth

Jane Ann Barth, age 93, of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Born in Flint, Michigan, on July 29, 1933, Jane was the daughter of the late Charles F. Barth, Jr. and Adeline Lierman Barth. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1955 with a bachelor of arts degree in physics. In 1959, she received a master's degree in chemistry from Smith College, with graduate work at Case Western Reserve.

Jane devoted her career to teaching chemistry at Ursinus College, where she was active in numerous professional societies and student groups. She helped develop the departmental library, received the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award in 1970, and was awarded the Mary Luceil Vansant Fund for scientific research three times. Upon her retirement, she was named Professor Emerita.

Jane maintained a lifelong commitment to Mount Holyoke College and her classmates in the Class of 1955. Over the years, she served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including Class Treasurer, Class Agent, and Reunion Co-Chair. In 1990, she received Mount Holyoke's Medal of Honor, the college's highest award for alumnae, in recognition of her exceptional long-standing dedication, leadership, and service.

For 60 years, Jane was also a devoted parishioner of Washington Memorial Chapel, and was its longest-standing member at the time of her death. She served the Chapel in many ways, including teaching Sunday school, volunteering in the Cabin Shop and Bookstore, reading Scripture during services, assisting with capital programs and donation accounting, and serving on the Vestry. In 2023, the Chapel honored her for her many years of dedicated service and countless contributions.

Jane was known for her intelligence, steadfastness, subtle wit, and generosity. Throughout her life, she quietly donated to key places that she valued, both with significant funding and volunteer time and energy. She also personally gave freely of her time and support to others without seeking recognition, and served as a mentor, teacher, and loyal friend to many. She enjoyed swimming, gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with her dog, Xander.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Susan Langhorne. She is survived by her niece and goddaughter, Patricia Dines; nephews Charles and Paul Dines; grand-nephews Tayloe, Trevor, and Calvin Dines; great-grandnephews Oscar and Silas Dines; and her beloved friend, Leslie S. March.

Her funeral service will be held on October 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Washington Memorial Chapel, 2000 Valley Forge Park Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Entombment will be private at Oakwood Mausoleum in Saginaw, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane's name to Mount Holyoke College or Washington Memorial Chapel.