Jane Vavra Leonard O’Brien, 83, died peacefully at home on Monday, April 1, 2024. 

Jane was born in St. Louis, Mo the late John Vavra and the late Evelyn Hohenstein Vavra. She was a longtime resident of Savannah and Tybee Island. Jane was a dedicated professor of English and Humanities at Savannah State University until her retirement in 2015.  A devout Catholic and longtime communicant of St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tybee Island, Jane served as Lector.  In 2017, Jane was awarded the Bishop Francis X Gartland Award by the Diocese of Savannah for her distinguished service to the Catholic Church and the Savannah Diocese. 

Jane was an amazing person with an incredibly big heart. Through the years, she was especially generous in sponsoring the education and care of at least twenty children in third world countries. Jane was a fantastic cook and enjoyed cooking for others. She was honest, dependable, and loyal. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.   
In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by a sister, Mary Alice Curran.  

Jane leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of thirty years, Kevin G. O’Brien of Savannah; three sons, Delano Leonard (Dianne), Jonathan Leonard (Eleanor), and Bertrand Leonard. two grandchildren, Benjamin Leonard and Sarah Leonard; and several nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tybee Island with Rev. Brett Brannen celebrating. A reception will be held immediately following the Mass at the American Legion, Post 154, Tybee Island until 2:30 p.m. Jane will be laid to rest following the reception at 3:00 p.m. in the Catholic Cemetery Columbarium.