Janet Iandola Watkins

Sadly, our beloved mother and grandmother Janet Iandola Watkins, 76, of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, passed away on August 10th, 2025. Jane (Janie) was born on May 14th, 1949 in Feasterville, PA to Constantine and Gladys Iandola. She graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1967 and went on to receive her B.A. in English Literature and Education from Penn State University and her M.A. in Art History from the Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, graduating summa cum laude.

For thirty years Jane worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she became Senior Editor of Publishing. She edited more than thirty-five major international exhibition catalogues, including the Cézanne exhibition catalogue, named "Best Museum Catalogue" of 1995-96 by the International Association of Art Critics. After leaving the Museum she worked as a freelance editor, editing numerous prestigious books, including three volumes of the John Singer Sargent catalogue raisonné.

Jane is survived by her daughters, Allison Watkins and Lori Poultney, and her step-son Llew Watkins, as well as her brothers, Bill and Bob Iandola, and four grandsons, Jack, Thomas, Nathaniel and Leonardo. Jane also leaves behind a brokenhearted, supportive group of relatives, including cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Jane was warm-hearted and cared deeply about her community, family, and friends. She was happiest when cooking and hosting loved ones in her home, and whether it was an extravagant Christmas dinner or a simple book club coffee hour, she never failed to lay a beautiful table and make everyone feel welcome. She also greatly enjoyed traveling to visit family in California and especially Italy, where she could connect to her Italian roots. She always came prepared with a thoughtful gift and her wonderful smile. Jane was generous, compassionate, sensitive, intelligent, artistic and very social. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and her legacy will continue through her children and grandchildren.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Paul's Church in Chestnut Hill followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:

St. Paul's Memorial Fund

Woodmere Art Museum