Jane Kathleen (Sowden) Sykes, 80 of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, died on December 3, 2024, at the UPMC Family Hospice after a long battle with cancer. She was the wife of James D. Sykes, the daughter of the Reverend Charles K. Sowden and Mary Louise (Haywood) Sowden, and sister of Beth (Sowden) Tuck, who all proceeded her in death. She is survived by her sons and their spouses, Jamie and Judene (Kaus) Sykes and Chase and Monica (Mendez) Sykes as well as her grandchildren, J.D., Alexis, Siddaly, Chloe, and Matthew Sykes, all of Oakmont. She was the sister of C. Kenneth (Jaci) Sowden of Waikoloa, Hawaii and Amy (Ron) Burkert of Oakmont and was the sister-in-law of Gary Tuck of Bowling Green, KY. Jane is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jane was born in Charleroi, PA on July 22, 1944, and graduated in the Class of 1962 from Charleroi High School. She attended the Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1965. Her career in nursing began in Cleveland, OH. Jane and Jim were married on October 21, 1967, after Jim's tour of duty in Vietnam. The couple moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Jim completed his military service, and Jane continued her nursing career. They returned to Western PA in 1968, and Jane worked for many years at Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington. Her career as a nurse spanned nearly 40 years and involved several areas of specialization in a number of area hospitals.

Jane and Jim established their home in Oakmont in 1970 and they engaged in a numerous school, church, and community activities over several decades. Jane was a member of the Oakmont United Methodist Church and served as a member of the Jumonville Family Week Council for many years. She loved vacationing with family and friends, especially at Rehoboth Beach year after year. To Jane, paradise was sitting in a chair on the beach, under an umbrella, with a good book in her hand and the sound of the ocean waves as her background music.

While caring for others as a nurse was Jane's profession, anyone who knew Jane knows that taking care of others was at the core of who she was. Her yard, home, kitchen, table, as well as her arms and heart nurtured and nourished countless family members and friends throughout her entire life. In fact, generations of neighborhood kids grew up under her care and tutelage and still, as adults, affectionately called her Mamma Sykes, Aunt Jane, or Grandma Jane. She was an excellent cook, baker, and entertainer and she was always ready for a party and in search of the perfect cookbook. Most of all, Jane was a caring person who put others first and loved unconditionally. She treasured her sons and grandchildren and was very proud of them. She was their most ardent supporter throughout their lives and regularly attended their school, athletic, and musical pursuits. Jane enjoyed life to its fullest, always had a smile on her face and an upbeat outlook, even when facing difficult circumstances. She had a positive impact on countless lives and will be deeply missed.

Friends will be received for visitation on Friday, December 6th from 6-8 PM and Saturday, December 7th from 10-11 AM at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC. on 421 Allegheny Avenue in Oakmont, PA. A Celebration of Life will be held at the funeral home at 11 AM. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.