Former Bradley professor dies at 110

MATTESON, Ill. — Longtime Peoria resident and former Bradley University professor Jane Ising died in her sleep on her 110th birthday.

Tom Ising says his mother died Thursday at the suburban Chicago nursing home where she’d spent the last few years after living in Peoria for more than six decades.

Jane Ising was born in Germany and earned a doctorate in economics. She moved to central Illinois when her husband, Ernest Ising, was recruited to teach physics at Bradley. She taught economics at the college, as well as teaching in Peoria’s public schools.

Her 72-year-old son says his mother had a great life. Her family had planned a celebration for her birthday Thursday, but instead family and friends gathered to commemorate her life.

She’s also survived by two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.