Jane Florence Baker Bothwell born May 1, 1923, Philadelphia, Pa. to Charles Pitman Baker and Jane Florence Curran Baker died peacefully in her home of 40 years on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, January 7, 2022 at 98 years old.
Jane grew up in the Colonial Hotel at 11th and Spruce in Philadelphia, where her father was the manager. Her younger brother Charlie remembers fondly their escapades: running the hotel elevator and the delights of being able to walk to the cinema to see first run movies, while older sister, Peggy, would be involved in more dignified older sister activities! They shared a train ride out of Philadelphia to the Main Line, where Jane attended The Baldwin School.
Jane lived a full, joyful life enjoying family, friends, bridge, tennis, golf, sailing, traveling and most of all her family’s summer home in Ocean City, New Jersey. Days in Ocean City were her most treasured memories: from her childhood days, to introducing her own family to the joys of the beach days, sailing, family dinners and of course Wards delicious bakery! Her grandfather gave Charlie his first boat, a Comet. Charlie was the skipper and Jane the crew. They knew nothing about sailing but had a great time learning and continued sailing throughout their lives. Lyman Dutton Bothwell also spent summers in Ocean City with his family, where their lifelong romance began. They were married for 68 years. Dutton passed away in November of 2017.
Jane and Dutton began their married life in Ithan, Pennsylvania and soon moved to Alexandria, Virginia. Dutton worked as an attorney for the Navy and Jane managed their household and two children. Jane also enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the Bookstore at the Episcopal Seminary. Summers of course were always spent in Ocean City where they lived with Jane’s siblings, Margaret Baker Thaw and Charles Baker and their families, enjoying beach life.
Jane is survived by her children, Jane P. Bothwell of Kneeland, California and Barbara Bothwell of Hilton Head, South Carolina; her grandchildren Jane-Paige D’Huyvetter, Jennifer Collins and Forest Collins and her brother Charlie Baker of Audubon, PA.
It was a life well lived. Jane will be greatly missed.
