Jane grew up in Danville, Il. Her parents were Louis and Lydia Duquesnoy and she had 2 sisters. Her parents had immigrated at an early age from France and Belgium. She later married Jack Toms Sr. and they had 3 boys, Jack Jr., Joe and Jim.
In her early years Jane attended Oakwood schools and graduated from High School.
She worked in her home as a homemaker and ran a sewing business there as well. When her children were older Jane worked for the Vermillion County Courthouse in the Supervisor of Assessments office for 10 years.
Jane will turn 101 this month and has seen many world events in her lifetime. She has lived through the Flu Pandemic, Covid Pandemic, World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, Civil Rights Movement, Prohibition, The Great Depression, 9/11, The First Man on the Moon and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
I asked Jane what is the difference in the way children are growing up today versus the way that she grew up and she stated “they are much smarter and have their nose in everything”.
I also asked Jane if you could write a message to younger generations for a time capsule for them to read 20 years from now what advice would you give them? Jane stated “listen to your parents”.
Jane now enjoys her days here at Pleasant Meadows by napping, watching tv, visiting with staff and peers and sitting in the sunshine.
