Jane Elizabeth Hubbard Corbin March 5, 1930 – Aug. 12, 2021


Jane Elizabeth Hubbard Corbin

      Jane Elizabeth Hubbard Corbin, 91, of Monticello, Iowa, passed from this life on Aug. 12, 2021 at Unity Point Health - St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with her loving family by her side.  

      Visitation will be Saturday, March 5, 2022, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m in the Durgin Pavilion, Camp Courageous, 12007 190th Street, Monticello. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. A Reception and Chocolate Affair will follow.  Come share food and memories.

      Jane was born on March 5, 1930 in Chicago, Ill., to Lola Ann Pittenger and Ned B. Hubbard. Growing up, she attended Julia Ward Howe Elementary School. As a child, she enjoyed reading, sewing, participating in Girl Scouts, climbing the neighbor's tree when her dad wasn't home, and taking the Chicago "L" train downtown for lessons for the clarinet, the instrument she later played for the Austin high school orchestra.  

      At age 16, Jane's parents insisted that she learn Ballroom Dancing, to be prepared for college dances! She graduated from Austin High School in Chicago in 1948. While attending Iowa State College, Ames, Jane met the love of her life, William E. Corbin Jr. at a Presbyterian Youth Fellowship dance, but Bill didn't dance!  Big city girl meets small town boy!   Jane earned a degree in Early Childhood Education with a Minor in Art from Iowa State College, Ames, in 1952.   

      She accepted a position at the Hospital School in Mt. Clemmons, Mich., for one year, teaching physically challenged children in residence.

      The couple wed on July 11, 1953 at the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Ill.  They moved into Bill’s childhood home in Monticello and began their life together. Jane and Bill had three children. Their first son David Edward passed shortly after birth. David William and Nancy Ann followed.  They raised their two children and celebrated 65 years of marriage.   

      Her love of children led Jane to create a special needs classroom in her home. Four students were enrolled the first year.  Her vision grew and her pre-school classroom became a part of the Monticello Public School system.  Jane taught for 26 years.  Her passion for doing what was best for her students led to her support of Camp Courageous where she would take her preschool students for over-night camping adventures.    Her classrooms were a magical place where each child was challenged and channeled to a love of learning.  Her devotion and enthusiasm was contagious.  Daily snack time in her classroom turned out to be a metaphor of her life. She would spread the honey, jam or peanut butter to the edge of the crust purposefully so that every bite would be delicious.  And that is the essence of Jane, striving to make everything the best possible and living life to the fullest.

      Family was Jane’s  priority and she treasured every moment with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and their activities.  As Mom,  she was a Leader for Bluebirds, Camp Fire and Den Mother for Boy Scouts, Chaperone for school events, Tour Guide for their family trips.  As Grandma, cookie baking, homemade chocolate malts, pajama parties and decorating the house for holidays was a must! 

      Jane was an avid reader and enjoyed art, history, theater, cooking and entertaining family and friends.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Delphian Society, Questers, League of Women Voters, ARC and PEO.  Jane and Bill volunteered for many civic and historical projects and were instrumental in creating "Civil War Days" in Hopkinton, Iowa which was celebrated yearly for 30 years.

      Her many travel opportunities with Bill set the stage for adventures and destinations around the world. Visiting the Holy Land, Norway, cruising the Mediterranean, Alaska and Russia with Royal Caribbean International was a highlight. Jane always looked forward to winter vacations in Florida.

      Jane was diagnosed with CMML leukemia in 2018. Mastering the cancer into remission after three years of monthly chemo treatments.  She continued her reading, enjoying adult coloring and back porch gatherings with family and friends up until the week before she passed peacefully with other health complications,  surrounded by family.  

      Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her infant son.  Left to cherish her memory are her children, David (Dianne) Corbin of Farley; Nancy Corbin (Jan Helge Pile) of Sandefjord, Norway; five grandchildren: Michael (Alexis) Corbin of Cascade; Jennifer (Jimmy) Martz of Norman, Okla.; Nathan (Allison) Corbin of Epworth; Amy Corbin (Mario Wytch) of Midwest City, Okla.; Vanessa Hartner of Graz, Austria; four great-grandchildren; Tanner and Logan Corbin both of Epworth; Corbin Martz of Norman, Okla.; and Amelia Corbin of Cascade, and many cherished friends and former students.   

      Jane was a constant ray of sunshine, making many lives better with her positive attitude, humility, grace and humor ( "A balanced diet is Chocolate in both hands"!!)  She leaves us a legacy of Faith, Love of Life, Friends and Family.

      Memorials may be contributed to Camp Courageous, or the First Presbyterian Church. Messages and memories can be sent to the family at www.iowacremation.com under "obituaries".

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