Jane Ryan Haggard, age 94, of Wilmington, DE, passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2021. Jane was born in Arden, DE in 1927, the daughter of the late Ralph P. Ryan and Isabel (Staats) Ryan. She was the beloved wife of the late Homer H. Haggard. As the matriarch of the family, she is survived by her loving nieces, Kimberly Ryan, Deborah Barba, and Sharlene Brooks, along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In her early years, Jane enjoyed life on her family farm in Arden with her brothers Ralph, William Jefferson, and Kenneth Ryan. When she was in her teens, she was proud to say she was the first female to have a newspaper delivery route in New Castle County. She went on to graduate from Claymont High School and worked briefly as a secretary for Hercules. It was there that Jane met the love of her life, Homer Haggard, whom she married in 1951. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil where they lived for four years.
In later years, Jane enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling, and reading. She was an avid golfer who won many amateur tournaments. She organized many charity events for both Hercules and Wilmington Country Clubs. Jane also worked tirelessly for the animals and was on the board of directors for the Delaware SPCA. For many years she organized the SPCA’s annual Christmas Poinsettia drive. She would gather her elves and they would make all the flower deliveries. In 2009 the Jane R. Haggard Spaying and Neutering Clinic was founded; the first of its kind in Delaware. In addition, she enjoyed her time as a mentor for the Junior Golf Association as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Her most recent honorary title as “Mayor” of Sunrise of Wilmington gave her such pride. For the past year, she was busy every Sunday arranging flowers and delivering them within the community. She loved her many conversations with the staff and was always willing to lend an ear and offer invaluable advice.
Jane will always be remembered for her sharp mind, kind heart, and passion for life. One of her greatest gifts was that she listened and truly cared about what someone had to say. She was always ready to help in moments of need. Jane will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She came, she saw, and she conquered, and she will be forever in our hearts.
Honoring her wishes, there will be no service. Should anyone wish to do so, the family suggests donations in Jane’s name to the Mental Health Association in Delaware, 100 W. 10th St. #600, Wilmington, DE 19801.
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