Obituary of Jane M. Dorflinger

Jane Gallagher Dorflinger (May 17, 1929- May 23, 2023)

Jane Dorflinger, of Annandale, NJ, died peacefully at the Hunterdon Care Center in Flemington, NJ. Daughter of Anna and Cornelius Gallagher, she was born and raised in Queens, New York. One of nine, Jane went onto marry August “Gus” Dorflinger and was a devoted wife and loving mother of seven children.

Jane loved and was deeply proud of her family. At the age of 5 she lost her mother, Anna, and was raised by her NYC Fire Captain father and older sister Margaret. Jane often shared how as a little girl she was deeply moved by the beauty and holiness of daily 6:30 am Latin Mass echoing in the stillness of their parish church. She loved her Catholic faith, her brothers and sisters and the foundational influence of her Catholic grammar and high school education---never forgetting many of the French phrases, poems and Latin meanings learned there. She enjoyed reading the classics of literature, stayed well-informed of current events and cherished going to the opera with close friends. Opera music would fill the very busy Dorflinger household as Gus’ career took their growing young family from Queens, to Atlanta, Minnesota and Seattle finally settling in Bridgewater, NJ.

Raising one daughter and six (to be kind) “very active” sons, Jane employed what was known by all as “The Look”, a wordless expression from mom that sent any offender the clear message that a behavioral change was expected immediately. A home manager extraordinaire, she took pride in a beautiful home and was admirably the matriarch in control of family challenges, large and small. She cared lovingly for Gus as he battled serious health issues and for her elderly father and mother-in-law.

A devoted Catholic and deeply proud of her Irish heritage, Jane was a model mother known by all as an exceptional person who led by example living her faith and principles. She was an active participant in many church ministries including social welfare programs, a Eucharistic minister to the hospitalized and homebound, and a teacher and leader of various faith enrichment initiatives. She was deeply devoted to the life of the unborn, babies and the health and well-being of mothers through numerous causes including New Jersey Right to Life.

Jane is survived by her sister Eileen Steitz; and leaves behind her daughter Maryjane (Bill) Staats; sons Neil (Leslie Stevens), Peter (Denise), Andrew (Katy Moran), John (Sue Sherrerd), Vincent (Tracy), Paul (Nancy); 15 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the compassion of Hunterdon Hospice and staff of Hunterdon Care Center.

Viewing will be Friday, June 2, 2023 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home located at 1761 NJ-Route 31, Clinton, NJ.  Words of Remembrance of Jane will be shared at 6:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated June 3, 2023 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church located at 316 Old Allerton Rd, Annandale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, in Jane’s honor the family suggests donations to your local pregnancy aid centers or NJ Right to Life.