Jane Alice Markiano

Jane Alice Markiano

January 10, 2025

Merced, California - Jane Alice Markiano was born October 13, 194? to Alice (nee Kirk) and Michael Markiano in Montgomery, Alabama, and she passed away January 10, 2025 in Merced. As an Air Force dependent she traveled extensively. Her family ultimately settled in Merced, where she graduated from Our Lady of Mercy School and later attended Modesto JC. She subsequently worked as a dental hygienist, flight attendant, and paraprofessional at Livingston High School until she retired in 2003.

Jane was proud of her Irish-Italian heritage. Perhaps it this "Gaelic and garlic" combination fostered a love of travel. In retirement, she cruised to various parts of the globe, and she was able to form lasting friendships with people she met from multiple countries. At LHS she shared her love of gardening with her special education students in horticulture classes, and she was a long-time member of the "lunch bunch" on that campus. She looked forward every year to the Merced County Fair and adored Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Al Pacino. Family ties and roots in Illinois were a vital part of her life. She also advocated for the well-being of animals, especially cats. Many found a home with her, were spayed or neutered, and lived their best lives in her care.

Jane was preceded in death by her mother and her father. She is survived by her cousins in Illinois and Connecticut.

A devout and devoted Catholic, Jane was sustained by her faith through the difficult times in her life. A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merced (459W. 21st St). In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations would be greatly appreciated: New Beginnings for Merced County Animals, (www.newbeginningsforanimalsmerced.org or P.O. Box 1045, Winton, CA 95388); or Merced S.P.C.A., (www.mercedspca.org or P.O. Box 929, Merced, CA 95341).

Jane brought light and enthusiasm to those fortunate enough to know her. Her many friends and colleagues will cherish their memories of her intelligence, wit, and caring for others, and they will know that she was a grand example of humanity at its finest.