Jane W. Haskell

Jane Wendel Haskell, age 73, of Killingworth, formerly of Madison and Northford, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 5, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her husband, William L. Haskell. The couple was married in June of 1959. Born on April 3, 1937 in Jamaica Queens, New York, she was the daughter of the late Harold L. and Catherine (Davis) Wendel of Malverne, New York. Jane was a 1959 graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania and worked in the education field as a teacher and administrator in Skowhegan, Maine before starting her family. She and her husband moved to Northford, Connecticut in 1964 and were residents until moving to Madison in 1987. For over 35 years, Jane was involved in the miniature business, a hobby that grew out of her childhood passion for dollhouses. She and her husband started Northford Miniatures which produced handcrafted Shaker dollhouse furniture. Jane compiled one of the first directories of miniature craftsmen, Guide to American Miniatures, a volume which had multiple editions. The couple then started Handcrafters of Miniatures and promoted handcrafted miniature shows in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut for over 20 years. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially in her extensive gardens and camping in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. During the past twenty years, much of her time was dedicated to her grandchildren, often attending miniature shows with her granddaughters. She also enjoyed history and genealogy. Jane is survived by a son, Bruce William Haskell and his wife, Kristie; two daughters, Deborah Jane Hackett and her husband, Ian; and Jennifer Haskell Mitchell and her husband, Steven and seven grandchildren, Ethan and Abigail Haskell; Stephanie and Christopher Hackett; and Alexa, Jazmyne and Airiana Mitchell. The funeral service on February 10, 2011 at Swan Funeral Home, 80 East Main Street, Clinton at 11:00 am. Calling hours will begin at 10:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Please visit www.swanfh.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.