Jane A. Willey

GLENVILLE - Jane A. Willey, 95, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Glenville, NY, quietly and unexpectedly passed away on October 4th, 2014, with her loving daughters at her side.

She was born in Schenectady, NY, on November 6, 1918, and was the daughter of George E. and Jennie Gibb Pardee. Jane graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and was valedictorian of her class. In 1936, she married the love of her life, Francis "Flip" Willey, and they were together for over 52 years, and blessed with two daughters, Luanne and Charlene.

After graduating from the Royal Barber School, Jane began her career as a beautician, a field in which she worked for over 65 years. She was self employed and owner and operated the CharLu Beauty Salon in Schenectady. Jane loved meeting and being with people. While her children were growing up, she did her hairdressing in their home so she would be there for her family.

Jane was a founding member of Stanford United Methodist Church for over 50 years until retiring to Florida. She served as president of the Women's Society, formed the T & T Couples Club, sang in the Chancel Choir, and was instrumental in building the new sanctuary and education wing. Through the years, Jane sang with a Barbershop Quartet and performed in many musical productions. She was an avid photographer and loved taking and giving pictures to friends and family.

Jane and Flip always looked forward to living in Florida, and in 1977, they retired and built their new home. Together they spent many happy years and enjoyed every moment they were there.

Jane was predeceased by her husband Francis who passed away on March 7, 1989, and by her two sons-in-law, James Valley and William Bowers. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and is survived by her two loving daughters, Luanne Valley and Charlene Bowers. "Nana" will be greatly missed by her two grandchildren, Kimberly (Martin) Pfeiffenberger and Kirk Jansen, and also by her great grandchildren, Kayla & Alexa Patnaude and Chase Pfeiffenberger. Jane is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jane will truly be missed, not only by her family, but by her many friends and relatives both here and in Florida. She was very proud of her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and so enjoyed doing things for and with them. Those were her happiest moments. Her family was her whole life and meant the world to her.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 23, at 3pm, in Parkview Cemetery, Fehr Ave, Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane's name to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or a charity of choice.