Dr. Jane E. Pearson

Dr. Jane E. Pearson, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P., dedicated wife, mother and grandmother passed peacefully on October 8, 2022 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL after a courageous battle with ALS at the age of 62. Jane was born on July 1, 1960 to William and Shirley Scott of Arlington Heights, IL.

Jane graduated from University of Illinois and earned her medical degree at Rush Medical School. Jane practiced Emergency Medicine at Rockford Memorial, OSF Saint Anthony’s and Swedish American Hospitals for a combined total of over 30 years. Additionally, Jane was the first female Board-Certified EMS Medical Director in the State of Illinois. Jane served as the NIEMS Region 1 Medical Director for 20 years.

However, with all of these accomplishments, she was most proud of her family. She leaves behind her husband, Steve Pearson; mother-in-law, Mary Jane Billeter; daughter, Rebecca (Brad) Bruun, son, Jacob (Brooke) Billeter, son, Brett (Dan) Whitcomb and her 6 grandchildren; Cecelia and Oscar Bruun, and Briggs, Bernadette, Bradley and Baylee Billeter. She is a beloved sister to Doug (Libby) Scott, Dave (Sue) Scott, Sue Pearson, Jim (Amy) Pearson and Mary (Brian) Kluck. Jane also leaves behind her beloved caregiver and “newest family members”, Erica Richard and her sons, KJ and Jacoby. She also leaves behind her dearest aunts, Dorothy and Charlie along with their families as well as numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. Predeceased by her parents, William and Shirley, her mother-in-law, Joann Pearson and sister-in-law, Arlene Carlson.

Jane was always looking for a teaching moment to help others learn, whether it was a new paramedic, ED Tech, nurse or an aspiring young doctor. She loved to help others learn. Jane will be remembered for her unfailing generosity, infinite love, spontaneous spirit, witty sense of humor and her contagious smile. She was a stranger to no one and a friend to all. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren at the cabin.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Erica for her hard work and the tender loving care she gave Jane over the past year. You truly made a difference in all our lives.

Memorial services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church located at 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107 on Friday, October 14, 2022. The visitation will begin at 10 am with funeral mass at 12 pm with a luncheon to follow.

In her memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the following organizations: Bridging Voices, Team Gleason, as well as the ALS Society.