Lakeville: June 6, 2014 at age 94. Predeceased by her husband Allen E. Ward in 2009. Survived by her children; David (Lin) Ward, Ann (Alan) Mathias, and Alice (Mel) Dillon, all of Scottsville. Grandchildren; Michael (Shennel) Ward, Lisa (Alex) Balasi, Jeffrey Mathias, Melanie Mathias, and Kyla Dillon. Great-Grandchildren; Attila & Raeka Balasi. Nieces & nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
On Valentine’s Day 1920, in Frankfort, Ohio, Jane was born to Rev. Ray C. and Cora Lasher McMillan. Her siblings were Sylvia Reese and Charles and John McMillan. Jane moved to Lakeville from Ohio after marrying Allen in 1948. She was an active member of Lakeville United Church of Christ and Livonia Order of Eastern Star for over 60 years. As her family grew up she worked as a substitute teacher at Livonia Central Elementary School and played piano accompaniment for school choruses. Jane gave piano lessons at her home for many years and sang in the Lakeville UCC choir.
Jane’s love of music and life was evident in her generous spirit and loving heart and by the great number of people who called her “friend.” Her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Friends may call Thursday, June 12th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree St., Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 13th, at 5pm at the Lakeville United Church of Christ, 5687 Big Tree Rd., Lakeville, NY 14480. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jane to the Lakeville UCC at the above listed address. Burial will be held privately at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Geneseo, NY. To send a condolence and for further information please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I knew Jane as an Eastern Star member of Livonia. She was such a beautiful, kind and loving person/friend. Her musical talent was one to be enjoyed; however quiet she was, her smile always shone. She was a great mentor and friend.
My thoughts and prayers and loving memories go out to her family.
Ann: So so many years since those Lakeville days but weren’t they wonderful. I will never forget my walks from Pebble Beach to Lakeville, the post office with the combination lock and creaky floor, Joe’s store, the bait shop and of course to visit you and Judy Morsch. Your mom was a lovely person – never easy to lose a parent at any age. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Fondly yours, Kathie Mason
Ann,Alice and David,
We truly are sorry to hear of the loss of your mom!
She was a GREAT neighbor for the last 13 1/2 years (wow didn’t realize that long).
Melissa and Steve Metzler
My sincere condolences on your mom’s passing. During these next few days I hope you can take time to remember all the good times. Your Mom was a special woman. I enjoyed talking with her and listening to the stories she had about my mom and grandmother.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynda Van Der Meid Robinson
Ann,
I know it has been a long time but I remember what a nice lady your Mom was. I am very sorry to read of her passing. I know that she will be truly missed by all that knew her. Even in your sadness I hope that you can hold on to the thought that a life lived with so much love never really ends, but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember. Bonnie Stewart Breitigam…Catawba, SC
Dave, Ann, & Alice,
Please receive my deepest condolences
I always go to church when I get up home to Lakeville. Your Mom, steadfast that she was, never missed welcoming me home. She always gave me the update on you. I can still remember to this day, activities at the Ward’s. Birthday parties, your Mom babysitting for my sisters and I, spending days in her care over the summer, even having her as a Sunday school teacher. Judy Long said “Heaven just got another angel”, and so should it be; we all know she was a true angel here, with us, as well. I told Judy, and I’ll say it again; Jane was perhaps the most truly Christian woman on earth I may have ever known. I thank the Lord for taking Jane into His Arms, and pray that His Peace fill and heal you all in your loss. -Thom Allen
Very sorry to hear of your moms passing. growing up in lakeville i always remembered both your folks being very kind with a friendly smile. jim raffa, englewood florida