Jane R. Van Gorder

Jane R. Van Gorder, 95, beloved wife of Rev. Robert G. Van Gorder of Cromwell, died Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Covenant Village. Born on July 17, 1923 in Stamford, CT, she was the daughter of Lee Roy and Jean Aycrigg Robbins.

Jane was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy, Norwich CT, and Bradford College. She worked as a clerk at Chesebrough-Pond’s in Clinton for many years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Westbrook since 1954, and an active member in the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 61 in Deep River.

Jane will be remembered for her love of travel, especially with her husband Bob, her love of flowers and gardening, and her extraordinary enjoyment of her large family.

Jane was known and loved by many in Westbrook, where she lived while her children were growing up, and Covenant Village where she spent her later years. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and active in the Congregational Church community.

A warm and friendly person she made everyone feel special. She loved telling family stories and had a wonderful sense of humor. All her children will miss the frequent letters she wrote filled with clippings from the newspaper of cartoons and humorous anecdotes.

Besides her husband Bob, she is survived by four children; Sandra Roberts of Yarmouth, ME, Carl Roberts and his wife Sandi of Old Saybrook, Peter Roberts of Westbrook, and John Winschel and his wife Jody of Simsbury. Three step children; Jon Van Gorder, Stephen Van Gorder, and Jan Losee. Ten grandchildren; Julie and Ken, Mark, Jessica, William and Edward, and Hailey, Ryan, Adam and Lucas. A brother Arthur Robbins of TN, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Ray (Betsy) Robbins Protheroe and her brother William Robbins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 29 at 11:30 AM in the First Congregational Church, 1166 Boston Post Rd. Westbrook 06498. Burial at Cypress Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jane’s name to the First Congregational Church of Westbrook.www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com