JJane Small Klimczak passed away peacefully in Mystic, CT on November 27, 2019.
Born in Syracuse, NY on March 2, 1938 to David and Florence (Dixon) Small, Jane received a Bachelor of Arts from Marymount College. She then moved to England to teach at Marymount International School, before returning to Syracuse to work for Dey Brothers as an employment manager, honing the management skills needed to raise a family of 8 children. In Syracuse, she met Stanley Francis Klimczak, whom she married in November 1963.After 47 years of marriage, Stanley predeceased Jane in March 2011. Together, they raised 8 children and were devoted grandparents of 18 and great-grandparents of 15. Jane was admired for her exceptional kindness, devotion to others, humility, generosity, and love for her immediate and extended family and friends – and for her extraordinary cooking! She particularly loved bringing family and friends together for her signature home-cooked meals. Jane’s many other interests included gardening, tennis and golf. Jane will also be remembered for her commitment to the communities where she lived. She was active in organizations ranging from St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary to Illinois Children’s Home & Aid Society. She also served on the boards of Pebble High School Parents, AYSO, Marymount College Alumnae, Lake Forest High School Association of Parents & Teachers, and Old Lyme Country Club. Throughout her life, Jane prized her extensive family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many.
She is survived by, and will always live in the memories of, the Klimczak and Small families, including her children, David Klimczak of Deerfield, MA; Sidney Klimczak of Highland, N.Y.; Steven Klimczak of Oakland, CA; Lorie Bartlett of Trail, OR; Janiu Klimczak of Williams, OR; Nancy Klimczak of Cheshire, CT; Janine Klimczak of Bernardsville, NJ; and Margot Schmolka of Dover, NH; as well as her 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Donations may be made in Jane's memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Services will be held at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., Dewitt, NY on August 14th at 10 a.m. and live-streamed.
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