Jane Kantany

Emma Jane Toohey was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on November 15, 1920, a daughter of the late John Joseph Toohey and Albina Nichols Toohey.  Jane, as she long preferred to be known, attended Springfield schools, graduating from the High School of Commerce.  She was then trained as an executive secretary and worked for many years in that capacity at Hamilton Standard in Hartford, Connecticut.  After her children were in grammar school, she worked as the office manager for the late Dr. George A. Sotirion, a Springfield orthopedic surgeon. On July 5, 1950, Jane married Christopher W. Kantany, with whom she celebrated their fifieth anniversary in July 2000 and who passed away in May 2001. Jane most clearly identified herself throughout her life as a Girl Scout.  Her scouting activities ranged from attending Camp Bonnie Brae and being the drum majorette in a Girl Scout drum and bugle corps when she was young to, as an adult serving as, a Girl Scout leader, an Assistant Director of Camp Magawa, a neighborhood Chairman, a member Board of Directors and, until her illness, an active participant in the Archives Committee, with women whose friendship she cherished throughout her life. Jane was a dedicated member of Old First Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, serving as a "choir mother" in her children's younger years and later on the Board of World Service. A few of Jane's other interests and activities included co-organizing the Grains and Greens Food Co-op, being an American Red Cross First Aid instructor and organizing programs for the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. With her beloved husband, Chris, she also enjoyed summers at Black Point, attending auctions and traveling.  Throughout her life, what she most enjoyed was being with her family, particularly her grandchildren, of whom she was very proud and whom she loved very much. Jane leaves her beloved daughter and son in law, Carol Kantany Casartello and Charles R. Casartello, Jr. of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, her beloved son William C. Kantany of North Hero, Vermont and her cherished grandchildren:  Jennifer I. Casartello of Burlington, Vermont, Christopher W. Kantany  of North Hero, Vermont, Sarah Jane Kantany of Holden, Massachusetts and Nicholas W. Kantany of Holden, Massachusetts.  Jane also leaves many special nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews as well as her much loved former daughter in law, Carol A. Cicarrelli of Holden, Massachusetts, Joanne M. Mahan, of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, her dear and devoted niece; and Beatrix Kenney Stavros, of Springfield, Massachusetts, her dear and special friend. In addition to her beloved husband, Jane was predeceased by her dear brother Harold V. Toohey, her dear sister Cecilia Margaret (Peg) Miles and her dear brother, Donald F. Toohey, Sr. Jane?s family would like to express thanks to and admiration for the staff of Jewish Geriatric Services, particularly those at Ruth?s House, Spectrum Home Health Care, and the Julian J. Leavitt Jewish Family Nursing Home.  Their skill, caring, love and support will always be remembered and cherished.  Also, Jane's fellow residents will be remembered in her family's thoughts and prayers. Visiting hours with Jane's family and friends will be at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts on Thursday, March 24, 2005 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and a Memorial Service to celebrate Jane's life will be held at the Old First Church, Court Square, Springfield, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 3, 2005 at 2:00 pm.  Burial will be private at the Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. Contributions in Jane's memory may be made to:  Jewish Geriatric Services, 770 Converse Street, Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01106; Griffin?s Friends Children's Cancer Fund Endowment, P.O. Box 80052, Springfield, Massachusetts 01138; the Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council, 40 Harkness Avenue, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028; or Old First Church, Court Square, Springfield, Massachusetts 01103