Jane Crandall

Groton - Jane (Mary Jane DeWolf) Crandall, 102, born Dec. 13, 1910, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013, at Apple Rehab, Mystic, where she had resided for the last two years.

She had previously lived at Mystic River Congregate Homes where she had lived for eighteen years after the death of her husband, Robert Ezra Crandall. Jane and Robert had lived on Elm Street, in Noank, in a little house on the water for most of their retirement years, where they spent the happiest time of their life.

She was born to Oliver Alden and Lucy Keeney (Berg) DeWolf in New London and was raised on Cedar Grove Avenue in a large Victorian home across from the Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and played the piano. Music was always an important part of her life. She played the piano for soloists, dance schools and several dance bands, including those in which her husband was a musician. She acted in several local theater productions as a young woman. Although blind in her later years, she continued to play the piano until she was nearly 100 years old, much to the delight of the residents of Mystic River Homes.

She was known for her stylish appearance and was always dressed for company, complete with manicured nails and coordinated jewelry. She had a love of words and could do the "Jumble" puzzles and crosswords in record time even when they were being read to her. She used words that many people had never heard, which always made for interesting conversation. She had an amazing memory, being able to remember names and places from 100 years ago and was still able to quote poetry that her mother had quoted to her. She wrote poetry herself until well after her 100th birthday.

Everyone enjoyed her stories of the past and she had a following who visited to listen. She had been a Girl Scout leader, member of the Noank Historical Society, The Wightman Burying Ground Association, and the Groton Housing Authority.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Diane Lee Rhodes; she was also predeceased by all of her siblings, twins, Almond and Alden DeWolf, Ralph DeWolf, George DeWolf, Edythe Lampe, Charles Berg; and her special sister-in-law, Violet DeWolf.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Mitton and son-in-law, Gregory Mitton; five grandchildren, twins, Jamie and Janelle Stebbins, Justin Stebbins (Kimberly) and their children, Tristan Peacock and Ezra, Lucy and Macy Stebbins, Christopher Leigh (Amy) and their daughter, Charlotte, Rebecca Leigh (Edward Watson) and their daughter, Rosalie, who was born April 20, and placed in Jane's arms two days prior to her death. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Barry Rhodes; two special former sons-in-law, James Leigh and Edward Stebbins; a loving special friend, Britney Parke; and many other dear friends and relatives.

The family would like to thank the staff and especially the nurses and aides at Apple Rehab for the wonderful, attentive, loving care they gave Jane.

A date for a Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.

Donations in Jane's memory may be directed to the Noank Baptist Church, 18 Cathedral Heights, Noank, CT 06340.