Jane Elizabeth Kniffen, age 84, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Desert View Christian Science Care Facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jane was born on June 9, 1940, in New York City, the daughter of Robert Chandler and Mary (Sturdevant) Kniffen. Jane lived in Hawaii and Denver, until her family moved to New Britain, Connecticut where she spent her formative years.

Jane graduated from New Britain (CT) High School and Boston University. She taught music in the Marshfield (MA) school system, and then for most of her teaching career in the Melrose (MA) public schools where she taught elementary school music. After retiring from teaching, Jane became a Christian Science nurse working at El Dorado Vista in Phoenix and Desert View Care Facility in Scottsdale, bringing her love of Christian Science, her excellent nursing skills and integrity, and her precious sense of humor to her patients. Jane also recently served as First Reader at the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jane loved sports, especially the WNBA . She remained an ardent Boston sports fan as long they were not facing a Phoenix team. She also cheered on the University of Michigan sports teams due to strong family ties to the school.

Jane had a life-long love of and devotion to music. She was an excellent French horn player and singer. She sang with choruses including the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston and most recently the Phoenix Symphony Chorus.

She is survived by her brother Robert and sister-in-law, Candace Kniffen, of Halifax, Massachusetts; a niece, Meredith Kent of Northborough, Massachusetts; a niece Jennifer Garron, of Northborough, Massachusetts; a nephew Robert Kniffen III, of Hanson, Massachusetts and seven grand-nieces and nephews. Jane is also survived by her close and dear friend, Marian Udell of Phoenix, Arizona.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Scottsdale, AZ, at 10180 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.