Jane Sonack Bedard
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Published in The Republican on March 2, 2026
Jane Sonack Bedard, aged 71, of East Longmeadow, passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 8, 1954, in Fitchburg, she was the beloved daughter of Frank and Lucille Sonack and grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and faith. She attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School, where she played on the school’s first girls’ basketball team-the first of many moments in which she quietly paved the way for others. Though she once considered becoming a nun, she ultimately followed her calling to hospice nursing, attending St. Vincent’s School of Nursing and spending more than 40 years as a registered nurse. Most of her career was devoted to Hospice and Home Care, where she provided comfort, dignity, and steadfast support to families during their most difficult days. Over the years, she formed deep and lasting friendships with many of her fellow nurses-friendships that remained a source of strength and love and stayed with her through her final days.
She devoted her life to her family, raising Elise and Becky with unwavering love, patience, and strength. She found joy in golfing, bike riding, playing cards, and cheering on UConn Women’s basketball.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters, Elise Cranson (Dave) of Sterling and Becky Bedard of Mansfield; her grandchildren, Eve, Josh, and Sam; and her sisters, JoAnne Principe of Merrimack, NH, and Julie Sonack of Colchester, VT. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lucille Sonack.
Jane’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many people and organizations who cared for her in her final days, including the physicians at Mass General Hospital, the nurses and caregivers at Legacy Hospice, and the dear friends who sat with her throughout her illness, easing the weight of her disease with their presence, support, and love.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow on Sunday, March 8th from 3-6 PM. Services will be held on Monday, March 9th at 10 AM at Forastiere Smith with burial to follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, an organization who provided the family with endless resources and support during her battle with motor neuron disease.