Jane Abbot Bliss

Jane Abbot Bliss, born in Portland Maine in October 1952. passed away in September 2024 at age 71. Jane was the daughter of the late Harry and Ellis Bliss and is survived by her sisters, Lisa Eaves (married to Ronald Eaves) and Emily Bliss (married to Edward Lesser), her brother Bill Bliss (married to Lucinda Bliss) and eight nieces and nephews. Jane spent her childhood in Evanston Illinois, and then lived in South Portland Maine, Philadelphia, and New York City for several years each. Jane spent the last several decades of her life in Portland Maine (as Jane would often say, “I’m a Mainer!”). Throughout Jane’s life she spent summers and many fall weekends with family and friends at Squam Lake in New Hampshire, where she felt very much at home. As a child and young woman, Jane was very athletic and never seemed to stop moving. She loved biking, hiking, swimming, ice skating, skiing and playing tennis. While in NYC, Jane received certification as an early childhood educator, during which time she worked at The Bank Street School in Manhattan. After moving from New York to Portland Maine, Jane continued to work with young children for several years. Jane spent the latter part of her life struggling with many obstacles in her path but remained determined not to let them slow her down or stop her from doing the things she wanted to do. She was an unstoppable force! She did her best not to let life’s obstacles get her down and was open to having others lend a hand and/or give good advice. Her sense of humor was a great gift, and she was able to laugh at herself and others, and the many nonsensical aspects of life. She inspired endless smiles and giggles in her family and friends and could light up a room with her smile. She had a way of making people feel genuinely special. As Jane grew older, she immersed herself in creating art. She was prolific and would often greet visitors by saying “Can I show you my most recent drawings?” Her work was captivating and always distinctive. With the support of a talented artist with whom she regularly worked, Jane was creatively inspired, and her artwork was shown in quite a few exhibits throughout the Portland area. The spaces she lived in were always brilliantly decorated with her work. Jane struggled with mental illness throughout her life, and later, with Parkinson’s Disease. For many years, she lived in Shalom House residences across the Portland area, where she found close friends and community, and received excellent support and care. Jane’s family is deeply grateful to all that Shalom House has meant to Jane and our family. You may honor Jane with contributions in her memory to Shalom House Inc. Please make checks to “Shalom House Inc.” and mail to: Attn: Jill Silander Shalom House Inc. 106 Gilman Street Portland ME 04102 Or click the link below to donate online: http://shalomhouseinc.org/you-can-help/donate/ There will be a memorial gathering for Jane on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at State Street Church (159 State Street) in Portland. This will be an informal get-together, and some of Jane’s artworks will be on display. Please join us in celebrating her life.