Martha Jane Chilcott

Martha Jane Chilcott June 20, 1928 - August 20, 2026

Martha Jane Chilcott (Jane) passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the age of 98, leaving behind a lifetime of love, faith, curiosity, adventure, and countless lives touched.

Martha Jane Dunkel was born on June 20, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, the fourth of five children. She lived through the Great Depression and World War II, graduating from Skidmore College in 1949.

 She married the love of her life, John Henry “Jack” Chilcott, on August 18, 1950 and shortly after moved West living in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and California before settling down in Tucson, Arizona in 1963. Together, they raised three children—Kurt, Bret, and Cynthia—and built a life deeply connected to nature, incredible cultural experiences, learning, and exploration - living in Peru, England, and Spain.

 She spent 25 years as an educator, teaching thousands of students at nearly every level, and especially enjoyed her years as an 8th grade school teacher.

Jane was active in education, community service, and Saint Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church. Among her many volunteer activities, she served for 10 years as a court-appointed advocate for children and as head of St. Phillips Altar Guild. Skidmore College recognized her service with its Outstanding Service Award in 2009.

 Jane was the beloved matriarch of her family. Over the years Jane opened her home and heart to her extended family, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and innumerable friends showcasing her beautiful Sonoran Desert and the Southwest culture. And there were always dogs, including many rescues and a spate of beloved Airedales.

 She is survived by her children, Kurt, Bret, and Cynthia; her grandchildren Kendal, Stacy, and Jack; and an extended family of great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Jane will be remembered for her intelligence, independence, humor, curiosity, generosity, and fierce devotion to her family. 

Adelante

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM, 4440 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, Arizona

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jane’s honor to either Skidmore College, Tacheria Interfaith School, or St. Philip’s in the Hills Altar Guild. 

Skidmore College: Donations can be sent to https://myimpact.skidmore.edu/ways-to-give/ or mailed to: Skidmore College, Office of Advancement, 815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Tacheria Scholarship: Donations can be sent to https://www.tacheria.org/donate

St. Philip’s in the Hills: Donations can be sent to https://stphilipstucson.org/giving/ways-to-give/