Jane Frances McCabe Bell Wilcox
August 24, 1932 – February 2, 2025
Jane Frances McCabe, later Jane Bell, and later still Jane Wilcox, was born in St. Louis on August 24, 1932, the youngest of Eugene and Angela McCabe's seven children. She attended Holy Trinity grade school and Laboure High School, where she distinguished herself as an athlete, starring on both the basketball and softball teams.
After finishing high school, she enrolled at St. Louis University, where she was one of the first women to graduate from its business school. Upon graduation, Jane pursued a career in the advertising industry.  She went on to build a career in advertising, bringing boundless creativity, energy, and laughter to both her professional and personal life. Family and friends fondly remember her zest for life—especially behind the wheel of her beloved red convertible.
On August 14, 1960, Jane married Harry Bell, and together they built a life in Crestwood, raising five children. They were active supporters at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, where all five of their children attended the parish school. During summers, the entire family could be found swimming, diving, and otherwise splashing at the Crestwood Swimming Club, where the Bell name can still be found on the list of record holders.
Jane strived to be a good listener, and to be mindful of our duty to love and respect one another. She had a gift for bringing people together, whether through spirited family theater productions celebrating the Christmas season or in everyday moments filled with warmth and laughter. Her unwavering faith and deep devotion to the Catholic Church were guiding lights throughout her life.
Jane lost Harry to cancer in 1981, after which she took up teaching business classes at Cor Jesu Academy before finishing her working career at Towers Perrin.
After living almost 30 years as a widow, she married Bill Wilcox, a friend of many years whose own wife had also passed away. Bill has seven children of his own, and their marriage, on December 29, 2010, formed a uniquely St. Louis Catholic extended family. Jane and Bill made their home in Clayton, where they enjoyed 14 years of Love, companionship, faith, and family.
Jane's life was defined by love—love of family, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her husband Bill Wilcox, children Mary Grace Huber (Dan), Maria Bell, Alan Bell, Suzanne Deatherage (Jerry), Laura Horan (Dan), grandchildren Ryan Huber (Denise), Tyler Huber (Melanie), Chad Huber (Emma), Madeleine Brackenhoff (Jon), Zachary Deatherage, Kylie Deatherage, Allyson Horan, and a great-grandchild, Lillian Jane Brackenhoff.
Jane was preceded in death by her siblings Regina, Mary, Gene, Msgr. Len, Irene, and Joe, and her parents Eugene and Angela McCabe.
Mass will be held at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Creve Coeur, MO on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 am.  Jane's final resting place will be at Resurrection Cemetery.  Arrangements are in the care of Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, Mass intentions are requested or donations to www.corjesu.org

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com