Jane C. Wargo

Jane loved music at an early age and took up violin lessons, studying through high school. She loved singing and dancing, learning tap dance and singing in her school and church choirs, something she continued later into her life. During World War II, Jane joined the USO while she was working at Sargent and Greenleaf as a secretary. During this time she traveled to local hospitals and wartime facilities, bringing cheer and joy to the troops and civilians in the Eastern region. Jane was often a soloist, singing The Great American Songbook, musical theater, and famous pieces of the time. This love of music is something she shared with her husband, Paul, her daughters, Ailene and Anche, and her grandchildren, Jessica and Gregory who became musicians, directors, and producers in opera, jazz, musical theater, pop, and rock. Many hours were spent teaching them about the greatest composers of classical and jazz music. Her favorite composers were Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, Bizet, and Gershwin. Jane was an avid listener to Classical 91.5 FM (WXXI), which poured into her home day and night. It was this great love of music that brought longevity and joy to her life and those around her.

Jane joined Beta Sigma Phi, a sorority, and was a member for sixty years. In January of 1949, she met baseball player, Paul Wargo, a well known left handed pitcher for the Rochester Red Wings. Jane and Paul met on a blind date, and three weeks later they became engaged. The couple married in May of 1949 when Paul returned from playing baseball in Florida. Jane traveled with Paul throughout the rest of his baseball career and welcomed daughter Ailene during the Spring of 1950. Ten years later, their daughter Anche was born. Jane and Paul insisted on having both daughters study music, each singing and learning the piano from their early years. Jane also passed on her love of cooking and baking, mastering the Slavonic and Mediterranean traditions. She loved sweets and loved sharing the process of these culinary traditions with her family.

Jane worked for the County of Monroe as a unity secretary in social work, retiring at age 73. She believed in caring for others, above all, and made this a priority at work and in the home. She always found a way to serve others through baking, offering a listening ear, or providing financial support. Everyone came to Baba, finding unconditional love and encouragement, better after they left her. As long as she was able and well, she made trips to attend whatever her family was doing. She supported her grandchildren in every moment of their musical endeavors; she loved being present to watch all the years of their study and work, for which she was consistently engaged in and curious about. She loved meeting her granddaughter- in-law, Kimberly, who became a new joy to her. She loved supporting Kim and learning about music therapy. She was a true patron of the arts, always wanting her family to continue toward the dreams she and her husband had for them.

Jane became Baba to everyone. A loving grandmother figure who reached the age of 100 in February 2022. She is beloved around the world for her generosity of spirit and kindness. As we remember how beautiful her [almost 101] years of life were, we bring her joyous spirit (ever present with child-like wonder and curiosity, as she was always inspired and reading) to our lives today.

Jane’s family would like to thank Dr. Nathan Ritter, Westwood Commons, and the St. John’s staff for providing wonderful care. Her celebration of life will be filled with music and memory on January 9th and 10th 2023. Donations can be made in memory of Jane to the Nazareth College Department of Music and to JDRF.

The world is a better place because of Baba’s love. May her memory be eternal and her expression of kindness and joy in the world live and continue within each of us.

Jane is predeceased by her parents, Athanas and Elena Christoff, her brothers Vasco and Lincoln, husband Paul, and her daughter, Ailene.

She is survived by her daughter Ann (Joseph) Best, grandchildren, Jessica and Gregory (Kimberly) Best, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Panachyda (Funeral) services, will be observed at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, on January 10th, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

The wearing of masks has been requested for anyone attending the funeral service.

The calling hours originally scheduled for Monday, January 9th have been cancelled.

The service can be viewed via livestream at: https://youtu.be/n3WFX-ctRvI