She was born on June 27, 1953 in Weedsport, NY, the daughter of Russell and Elva (Carpenter) Gridley. A 1971 graduate of Weedsport High School, Jane went on to attend SUNY Cobleskill (graduating in 1973) and later, SUNY Oneonta, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education (graduating in 1976).
Jane spent her early working career as a hostess and waitress at Brooks BBQ. In 1981, she began working for Oneonta Head Start. There, she spent her entire career as an Early Childhood Educator (retiring in 2016). After retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher at her grandson’s elementary school.
Jane relished spending as much quality time with her grandchildren as possible. She also enjoyed traveling to Arizona to see family and grandchildren, loved visiting her sisters and friends and family, and was always the life of the party.
In her spare time, she loved attending her grandkid’s sports and events, traveling to NYC with friends, going for long walks, and as an avid baker, enjoyed baking with her grandkids.
She was always smiling, laughing, joking around and could have a good time anywhere!
Jane is survived by her husband, James Couden of Oneonta, NY; her daughters, Jaclyn Origoni (husband Adrian, and children Christian and Santiago Origoni) of Oneonta NY, and Meredith Montoya (husband Chad, children Beckham, Quinn and Calla Montoya) of Queen Creek, AZ; her siblings, Rick (Paula) Gridley of Auburn, NY, Carolyn Lowell of Dalton, NY, Christine (Harold) Casper of Auburn, NY, Laurie (Brian) Cirigliano of Jordan, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Guy Wallace; and her brothers in law, Bradley Lowell, and John Couden.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 4 – 7p at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta. A celebration of Life will take place on Friday, August, 2, 2024 at 3p, also at the funeral home.
Donations are asked to be made to Opportunities For Otsego in her memory https://ofoinc.org/donate
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
To leave a condolence for Jane’s family, visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com
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