'Transformative bequest.' Janesville woman leaves largest-ever gift to Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin

JANESVILLE — A vision-impaired Janesville woman who died in 2023 is being recognized for leaving the largest financial gift ever to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin.

In a release, the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin called the gift from Jane Dennis, of Janesville, a “transformative bequest,” in an amount unmatched in its 55-year history. The organization said Dennis’ generosity “significantly bolsters” its Global Vision Fund, and “ensures the gift of sight reaches those in need.”

The amount given was not disclosed.

According to her obituary that appeared in The Gazette, Dennis passed away at home in Janesville at the age of 96 on March 6, 2023. She was born in Oakland, Ill. on October 23, 1926, the daughter of Garlen and Lucy (Pribble) Dennis. She graduated from Lodi High School in 1947.

“Jane spent the past 62 years of her life in Janesville and worked for the General Motors Corporation as secretary, retiring in April of 1982,” her obituary noted.

According to a release, Dennis was born into a large family and lived most of her life in Janesville. A childhood accident left her partially blind, “a fact not everyone knew about her.”

“A very private person, Ms. Dennis didn’t speak much about her vision loss, but those closest to her knew the care she harbored for those with visual impairments,” the release said.

“Despite her disability, Ms. Dennis was a successful professional working for many years at the General Motors Corporation. Ms. Dennis is remembered by those closest to her for her kindness, and passion for equality, especially in healthcare,” the release said.

“Ms. Dennis’s bequest underscores her compassion for those affected by visual impairments and her quiet commitment to making the world a better place,” Stacey Troha, CEO of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, said in the release. “Her contribution enables us to help people who, without the gift of sight, would remain in darkness, unable to fully engage with others, contribute fully to society, or experience the beauty of the world around them. We’re deeply grateful for her generosity.”

The Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin works to ensure access to those in Wisconsin to the end-of-life option of corneal donation. Such donations transform corneal tissues into the gift of sight through transplantation, education, and research.

More information about the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and the Global Vision Fund is at www.lebw.org.