Born in Detroit of Maltese parents, in 1922, Jane Spiteri obtained a teacher’s diploma from the University of Leeds in 1948. She also attended a course in social studies at Woodbroke College, Birmingham University (1958-59) and a course for probation officers at Rainier House, London (1959).
She was appointed teacher with the department of education in 1943 and later served as headteacher in primary schools (1948-58). In 1958 Spiteri was selected to follow an intensive course in Social Work in the UK specially prepared by the British Home Office at Woodbrooke College. She also carried out in-service training at various Children’s Departments, and in 1959 she followed the Home Office Course for Probation Officers.
On her return to Malta she helped to set up the welfare division at the social services department, and served as family welfare officer (1958-63) and appointed principal family welfare officer (1963-77).
Since 1964 Spiteri has been particularly involved in the advancement of women and was a Founding Member of the National Council of Women of Malta and was its first General Secretary, where she served for fifteen years. She also served as President for four years (1982-1986). She was made Hon. Life President of the NCW in 2003.
Spiteri was also vice-president, Malta Catholic Action (1953-65); diocesan president, Female Youth Branch MCA (1948-53); founder-member, Malta Youth Consultative Council; founder member and vicepresident, MCA Teachers Movement (1950-58); council member, MUT (1951-58); and member, Emigrants Commission (1951-).
In 1990, she was nominated member of the Council for the Advancement of Women and, in 1992, member of the Kunsill Nazzjonali ghall-Anzjani. In 1997 she participated as the official delegate of the Holy See at the UN Expert Group Meeting on ‘Gender and Caregiving’ which was held in Malta in 1997.
In 1992 Jane Spiteri was made member of the National Order of Merit (MQR).