Frieda “Jane” Crantz
Born on July 3, 1944, in Kingston, New York,Passed on February 16, 2026 in Palm Bay, Florida
Frieda “Jane” Crantz, 81, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on July 3, 1944, in Kingston, New York, Jane was the beloved daughter of the late Herbert Irvin Engle and Frieda Thurin Engle. She attended the Academy of St. Ursula at Marygrove and graduated from Kingston High School in 1963.
Jane began her career with the New York Telephone Company, where she worked until her marriage to Edward “Henry” Crantz in 1968. Jane and Henry were high school sweethearts, having met when she was just 16 years old. Together, they built a life grounded in love, devotion, and family. They raised three children and shared 57 years of marriage, eventually retiring to Melbourne, Florida, in 1998.
Jane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Henry; her daughter, Lori Kirk and son-in-law Chad of Melbourne, Florida; her son, Edward Crantz and daughter-in-law Kellie of Hopkinton, Massachusetts; and her son, Scott Crantz and daughter-in-law Julie of Worcester, Massachusetts. She took immense pride in her four cherished grandchildren—Patrick, James, Abigail, and Annaleigh—who she loved dearly.
She is also survived by her brother, Marvin Engle and sister-in-law Candace of Aiken, South Carolina; her sister-in-law, Linda Engle of Lanesborough, Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert Engle, and William Engle; her sister-in-law Arlene Engle; and her brother-in-law Bruce Crantz and sister-in-law Carrien Crantz.
Jane found happiness in the moments that brought people together. She especially loved holidays and summers spent with family, and she delighted in playing cards, completing puzzles, crocheting, and enjoying bingo outings with friends. She had a warm heart, a gentle strength, and a quiet sense of humor that made others feel welcome and loved. Her steady presence was a source of comfort to those around her, and her love for her family was the center of her life.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at William Childs Hospice House for their exceptional care and kindness.
Her memorial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Palm Bay, Florida. Visitation will be at 10:30am and Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Jane’s love, devotion, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
