Obituary of M Jane McArthur

Martha Jane McArthur passed away on November 7, 2023 after a brief illness.  Jane was born in May, 1951 to James Donald McArthur and Martha Grace (Ellis) McArthur.

Jane lived in Basking Ridge her entire life.   She graduated from Ridge High School in 1969, and Phi Beta Kappa from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio in 1973.  Her passions included animals (both wild and domesticated), classical music, history, mysteries and a commitment to continuous learning.  

Jane worked as an editor and copy writer at Silver Burdette, an education publisher, and then for many years at Baker and Taylor, a publisher and book wholesaler to public and academic libraries.  When the latter relocated away from the area, Jane chose to stay in Basking Ridge and worked for a decade at the Bernards Township Library until retiring in 2021. 

Jane tirelessly served the area for more than 40 years with the Basking Ridge Fire Company and First Aid Squad, becoming the 5^th McArthur to serve, joining Grandfather Peter McArthur, Father J Donald McArthur, Uncle Richard McArthur, and Brother Jim McArthur. Her commitment to the township and helping people led to Jane’s election to Captain of the First Aid Squad for several years. Jane also served in support of Emergency Management Services with Somerset County, Bernards Township and the NJ State First Aid Council.  Jane was proud of her service to the residents and visitors to the township, and her commitment as a volunteer was exceptional.  In a single year, Jane responded to more than 560 emergencies as a volunteer with the squad. She is remembered for training numerous volunteers who continue their service to the area.

Jane was a life-long member of Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, and loved making music with the other ringers that formed the Knox Bell Choir.  She was a passionate listener of the a cappella musical group Pentatonix. Jane was a voracious reader and lover of books.  In her professional capacity she had numerous opportunities and access to galleys and proof copies before publication.  She read more books than the rest of her family put together. 

Jane leaves her sister Marion M Raiser of Basking Ridge, brother James D McArthur and his wife Christine of Sneads Ferry NC, brother Robert D McArthur of Framingham MA, and brother Bruce D McArthur and his wife Linda of Basking Ridge. She also leaves nieces Maria, Allie, Sarah, Ari, Lauren, and Shannon and nephew Christopher, and 4 great nieces and nephews.  Her family will all greatly miss her generous nature, and the many spirited and witty discussions that she loved to engage in.

A service to celebrate Jane’s life will be held at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church on Saturday December 2^nd at 1:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Basking Ridge Fire Company #1 (https://www.brfco.com/product/in-memoriam-donations/71?cs=true&cst=custom), or the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church (https://brpc.org/donations-payments/).