Emma Jane Arnold
Emma Jane Arnold, loving wife of Dimitris Gavrilis, passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Jane was born in 1940 in Pontiac, Michigan. Jane attended Michigan State University and received her BA in Humanities from the Honors College, followed by an MA in Comparative Literature in 1965. Jane then served as an instructor of English at Central Michigan University from 1965 – 1971 before earning a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan in 1971. She joined the staff of the MSU Libraries in 1971 as a reference librarian, retiring in 2007 as the Humanities Collection Coordinator. A calm and patient mentor to numerous young librarians, Jane was awarded the Library’s Staff Recognition Award in 1998 and the Career Achievement Award in 2002.
Jane shared a love for cooking and hosting events with Dimitris, was a devoted lover of cats, and an exceptional knitter and gardener who was never far from a Jane Austen novel. Jane is survived by her husband of over 33 years, Dimitris; daughter, Antonia (husband Stephen); son, George (husband Antonio); grandchildren, Alexander, Zoe, and Ulysses; her brother, Kenneth (wife Margaret); and several nieces and nephews.
Her family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 (with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m.).
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 14, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E. Saginaw St., Lansing. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Holy Dormition Orthodox Monastery at 3389 Rives Eaton Rd., Rives Junction.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in memory of Emma Jane Arnold (online or by mail):
Donations — Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (holytrinity-lansing.org)
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Memorial Donation c/o Church Office
1701 East Saginaw Street
Lansing, MI 48912
Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
12 Messages to “Emma Jane Arnold”
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Ruth Ann Jones
April 11, 2022 at 3:15 pmI was one of the many young librarians Jane mentored. She was extraordinarily kind, and taught me so much. I remember her with great affection and respect. She and Dimitris have been warm and welcoming hosts to so many people.
Evie Pappas
April 12, 2022 at 10:01 amI’m so sorry for your loss.
France Katsiris
April 12, 2022 at 4:08 pmDimitri, please accept my condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of Jane and pray for your family. I’ve thought of you often and will continue to do so!
Becky Matthews Fox
April 12, 2022 at 8:22 pmSome of the most interesting conversations I’ve ever had were with Jane when we worked the reference desk together on long night or weekend shifts. She was a delight. My condolences to your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Wen-ying Lu (a.k.a. Lu)
April 12, 2022 at 8:45 pmI was so very fortunate to have Jane as my supervisor and mentor while working at MSU. I’ll never forget her support, wisdom, sense of humor, kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, compassion, calmness, and grace. She was the BEST and I wanted to “grow up” to be just like her.
Dimitris-My heart goes out to you and your family. You and Jane are and will always be in my heart. Please take care! Big warm Hugs!
Kate Corby
April 12, 2022 at 9:25 pmI was so sorry to learn of Jane’s illness and passing. She was a wonderful supportive colleague, and I second Becky Fox’s remarks about the value of engaging her in conversation. In particular my condolences to her husband Dimitris, whose vibrant smile and culinary expertise have also left me with some very fond memories.
Ann Grimm
April 13, 2022 at 2:03 pmJane was my boss’s boss in the Reference Library, and quickly became a friend as well. She taught, not told, in all her interactions with students and subordinates. When she met Dimitris, their shared delight in one another was a joy to all who knew her. As her Orthodox godmother, I frequently felt more like a daughter than a mother, but again, there was that shared delight in relationship. As kind, as knowledgeable, as gifted as Jane was, it is her delight that I treasure.
Antonia Gavrilis
April 13, 2022 at 3:52 pmLove you so much 🙂
Sara Siebert
April 13, 2022 at 4:39 pmI am so sorry Jane is gone. I remember her very well. I respected her knowledge, the many times we worked on projects together and always. She would often look over her glasses at me in response to something I said or did. The best example of “you better think about what you just said” look ever. Rest In peace Jane.
diana rivera
April 13, 2022 at 7:59 pmDear Jane,
you are a sweet soul who befriended, shared and taught me well since my first days at MSUL. It was a pleasure to work with you and be office neighbors. Thank you for trying to correct my knitting errors, they were much appreciated. But not as much as your friendship. En paz descanses.
Rick Peiffer
April 14, 2022 at 11:25 amI had the privilege to work with Jane on a few library projects, most notably a video we produced about the history of American cookbooks that she helped to research and narrate. I will always remember her best for her friendly and engaging rapport. My heartfelt condolences to Dimitri, her family and closest friends.
Rita Echt
April 24, 2022 at 5:25 pmJane was a classy woman combined with intelligence, kindness and a terrific sense of humor. She was so well liked and appreciated for her many contributions to MSU Libraries. She and Dimitros were beautiful together.