Jane A. Travis

Jane Ann Travis from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and La Crosse/Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away January 30, 2026, in a health care facility in La Crosse. Jane Ann (Jane Ann to her family and Jane to her friends) was born October 18, 1936, in Punxsutawney, PA. Her mother was Sara Belle Chambers (Williams, Travis), and her father was Joseph Dorsey Travis, also from Pennsylvania. Her sister was Mary Jo McMillen (Travis). Her parents and sister all preceded her in death.

Jane Ann was a lively, precocious, and very smart girl. She graduated from Punxsutawney High School and went on to the University of Virginia, where she graduated with her undergraduate degree. She then went on to the University of Chicago, earning her master’s degree in health education.

Jane Ann worked at a Nursing College in Chicago for several years, then moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin (residence in Onalaska) to take the lead in starting a new program at the local college for nursing and other health occupations.

Jane Ann was Associate Chair for Health Occupations at Western Wisconsin Technical College 1972 – 1998. She was in charge of higher education and training for a variety of nursing certificates and degrees as well as for other health occupations such as EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and Medical and Dental Assistants.

Dennis Haggard, husband of a close friend and colleague, Donna Haggard (dec), said Jane Ann was passionate about her work and bringing more people into nursing. She recruited his wife as well as many other women into nursing, and Haggard said Jane Ann was an inspiration to all who worked with her.

Debbie Nuquist, a nurse who worked with Jane Ann for many of these years, said Jane was the Dean of Nursing and hired her to teach in the new program. “She was so gracious, and she always had my back as a teacher. She was a fair, supportive, and reasonable boss.”

Haggard said that nursing is a highly valuable yet underappreciated field of work. Nurses work hard, don’t get paid much, and yet make such a huge difference in people’s lives. He commented, “The people in the world who work as nurses are such a blessing, and the people who teach others to be nurses are a double blessing. Jane Ann was a woman who ran a school to make more nurses, and in my book that makes her an angel! (no matter how ornery she was).”

In addition to a highly successful career in nursing education, Jane Ann had many friends with whom she socialized and travelled. She travelled widely with her mother and with other friends, going abroad to Japan, Europe, and other destinations. For some time, she also owned a timeshare in Mexico and spent many vacations there. Jane Ann enjoyed camping and went on camping trips throughout the United States and Canada, often with her close friend Mona Thompson (dec.) She was a generous party host and often hosted groups of friends during holiday celebrations, such as Thanksgiving.

Jane Ann was also an avid environmentalist and animal lover. Her Christmas tree for many years was a live tree with the roots in a burlap bundle and put on her front porch. The decorations were small ornaments of bird food so all the birds could enjoy the tree on her front porch during the holidays. She would then have the tree planted on her property (no cutting trees for her!). Jane Ann lived most of her life with many dogs, cats, and birds. She loved and cared for them in her home and grieved the loss of each one. She was a strong supporter of local animal shelters, humane societies, and other animal protection organizations.

Jane Ann was also very active in her community with the Garden Club, Retired Teachers Association, and with political candidates she supported. She was a progressive thinker and always supported people, animals, and the environment.

In her final days as a resident in an assisted living facility in La Crosse, Jane Ann had a reputation for being energetic and rambunctious. One nurse (a certified nursing assistant, CNA) who cared for her said Jane Ann spoke with her often about advancing her education in nursing and the benefits that would come with this. Jane Ann encouraged her and said it would be affordable. This nurse said she is now signed up to pursue her licensed nursing degree (LPN), which will give her a better professional and financial future. “I never would have done it without her support and encouragement. I will miss her so much.” Jane Ann always helped those in need and supported the nursing profession.

Jane Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law (Paul and Mary Jo McMillen), and many other friends and neighbors from over the years. She is survived by her niece and nephews, Kerrick, Perrie, Tyler, and Jacen McMillen, and grand nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter or humane society. Cards can be sent to: The McMillen Family, 7870 Sprankle Mills Road, Punxsutawney, PA. 15767.