Jane Ann (Aronson) MacKenzie

Jane Ann MacKenzie, a beloved retired BPS teacher and lifelong music enthusiast, died peacefully on March 17th, 2025 at the age of 79.  Born in Brooklyn, New York, a graduate of Lesley University, Jane was a proud Boston resident for over 60 years. She enjoyed frequent trips to New York City to visit friends, Broadway and to see the culture and sights. Jane loved discussing art and travel - she visited the Monet Gardens in Giverny, France, spent extensive time in Scotland, and mentioned fondly traveling to San Francisco in the 60s. Jane and her husband David enjoyed traveling New England and had a home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for over 30 years.  A Boston Public School teacher for 34 years, she received a citation of service from the city upon retirement. A strong believer in social justice issues post-retirement she worked for 10 years at Facing History and Ourselves as reception assistance where she thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people passionate about the organization's mission.  Jane was a true music aficionado and enjoyed discussions of her favorite artists from iconic legends to emerging talents as well as attending live concerts. Music made her very happy. 

Wife of over 50 years to David MacKenzie, Mom to Tricia MacKenzie, married to Brent Ridge, Grandmother to Ruby and Ethan Ridge, Sister to Jerold and Sue Aronson, Aunt to Lori and Bruce, husband of Erika, Aunt to Nathan, Rebecca, Madelyn, Jay and Ami. Dog mom to Bailey. Most of all Jane enjoyed being a friend, and was a great listener, with many extended friends, like family, for many years she was greatly loved by all. Jane’s family would like to show sincere gratitude and appreciation to the community at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for their tremendous support over the past 26 years where she was a patient until her final days.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held on Sunday, April 13th for family and friends at the Gardens of Gethsemane Cemetery 670 Baker St. West Roxbury, at 12 Noon. A reception will follow at West Roxbury Elks Lodge 1 Morell St. West Roxbury at 1:00 pm.

Donations can be made in Jane’s honor to the Pan Mass Challenge pmc.org where she enjoyed volunteering. “Let it be.”