Norah Jane Gariepy, “Miss Jane”, 78, of Benton IL, passed away at 11:25 p.m., on  December 30, 2017, at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY.

She was born on July 18, 1939, to Stanley and Geneva (Williams) Pemberton. Norah Jane married Robert Dean Gariepy on June 22, 1963. They lived their 54 years of married life in Benton, IL.

Norah Jane was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She took pride in her children and grandchildren. She supported them in sports, extra curricular activities, and life.

Norah Jane started her career at Lincoln Grade School as a first grade teacher after graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Her passion for education lead her to help start the EMH Program at Benton Consolidated High School.

Miss Jane was the owner and operator of Miss Jane’s Jack and Jill Nursery School. She was very loving and had a passion for helping build children’s learning foundations for future success. Her motto was “Education begins with love.” Norah Jane always loved seeing prior students, hearing of their success, and watching them grow into fine adults.

Norah Jane is survived by her loving husband Robert, two daughters, Lisa Gariepy of Benton, IL and Suzanne (Michael) McGuire of Benton, IL; one son, Stephen (Cathy Creed) Gariepy of Murphysboro, IL; several grandchildren, Rachel Miller of St. Louis, MO, Madison McGuire of Champaign, IL, Everett Gariepy of Murphysboro, IL, Landyn McGuire of Benton, IL,  Andrea Miller of Benton, IL,  and Haighdyn McGuire of Benton, IL; one sister, Diann (Robert) Keith of Benton, IL; and one sister-in-law, Kindra Pemberton of Macedonia, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Geneva  Pemberton, and one brother, John Pemberton.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St. Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, from  5:00 p.m. to  8:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Kurt Sanders, officiating.

Burial will take place following services at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.