Jane E. Gardner-Duffany
Jane E. Gardner-Duffany of St. Johnsbury, Vermont died at home with her family on Thursday evening, March 4, 2010, at the age of 52.
She was born in Massena on February 3, 1958, the daughter of James and Carol Lee Gardner. Her mother passed away in September 2009; her father predeceased her in March 2005. She is survived by her husband Martin; son Ethan; daughter Emma; her sister Marilla O'Brien of Massena NY; two brothers: James L. Gardner of Massena NY, Timothy Gardner of Lisbon NY; eleven nieces and nephews; Marty's parents: John and Patricia Duffany of Camden NY; and Marty's three sisters: Melissa Crocetti, Kathleen Duffany, and Karen Rowe.
Jane grew up in Massena, NY and summered at the family's camp on Cranberry Lake, NY. She obtained forestry degrees from the NYS Ranger School in Wanakena, NY (1978) and the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY (1981). After working six years as a forester for the former Champion International Corporation in Santa Clara, NY, she obtained a Master of Education degree from SUNY Potsdam in Potsdam, NY. At the time of her marriage to Marty in 1989, Jane taught elementary school in Frankfort, Maine. When her son Ethan was born, Jane stopped working to become a full time mom. Raising Ethan and Emma was the most challenging and rewarding occupation of Jane's life; she would have it no other way.
The Duffany's lived in Orford, NH for over 13 years before moving to St. Johnsbury, Vermont in late 2007 so that Ethan and Emma could attend St. Johnsbury Academy. Jane was an avid flower gardener, taking frequent trips to flower farms with her friends to expand her gardens. Education was a big part of her life; she served on the Orford, NH school board and volunteered at the local school and library. Respect for the environment, consuming locally, and the importance of community were Jane's life lessons to everyone. Her strong social and political opinions were known and respected by many.
Memorial services will be held in Orford, New Hampshire on Wednesday March 10th at 10:00 AM at the United Congregational Church of Orford, NH with the Rev. Jane Wilson officiating. There will be no visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Norris Cotton Cancer Center North, 1080 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 www.cancer.dartmouth.edu; the Orford Social Library, Orford, NH or; your local hospice care organization.
Memories and condolences may be shared privately with the family at www.saylesfh.com.
