Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
JANE WALENTAS Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JANE WALENTAS
Corintha
July 1, 2025
Remembering Jane Walentas
Today marks the anniversary of the passing of Jane Walentas - a truly remarkable woman whose kindness, strength, and vision touched so many lives. Her generosity of spirit, creative soul, and unwavering grace continue to inspire me every day. I feel deeply grateful to have known her, and her memory will forever hold a special place in my heart.
With love and remembrance. Corintha ( Brazilian friend)
Gary Van Nostrand
September 18, 2020
Just saw this very sad news. Jane was a super nice person; honest, practical and grounded despite her success. I worked for her and David back in the late ‘70’s and always enjoyed being around both of them. My condolences to Jed and David; she led a full life and will be remembered fondly, for a long time.
Jen Ferguson
August 5, 2020
Jane was one of the nicest and kindest people I have known. Her generosity and love of art extended to her caring about-and taking care of- us artists here in DUMBO. In addition, she was a great artist in her own right, and managed to do the work of a multitude just by her sheer enthusiasm, dedication and hard work.
I always felt that she was a real visionary and her ideas and goodwill (not to mention the incredible carousel) transformed the neighborhood into the treasure that it is today, not only for locals, but all of world who come to enjoy DUMBO. But I think her greatest gifts were more subtle- the smile she bestowed on anyone no matter their station, the willingness to work with any situation no matter how challenging and her quiet but effective mission to make life better and more beautiful for everyone.
I am grateful I had a chance to know her and will miss seeing her radiant smile and the warmth that exuded outward whenever I saw her in the neighborhood. Her spirit will live on in the joy that people experience in riding the carousel and enjoying the artistic gifts DUMBO has to offer. My sincere condolences to the Walentas family, and all who knew and loved Jane.
Michelle Barnes-Anderson
July 21, 2020
To the Walnetas Family,
On behalf of The Melquain Jatelle Foundation please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother.
Our work with Jed is a testament to the humility and compassion she instilled in her children. Her kindness, love, and joy will continue to spread across the world through their work.
I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you move through your bereavement.
Your partner in community outreach!
Michelle Barnes-Anderson, Founder
Melquain Jatelle Anderson
Corintha da Rosa
July 14, 2020
Dear Jane Walentas,
You were one of the best people I could meet, you were like a mother to me, and a wonderfull boss. I will never forget her smile and her light way that delighted everyone. You will be forever in my heart. I will miss you very much, your smile, kindness and the afternoons beside you, harvesting our hydrangeas in bridgehampton. Mr David and Jed, know that your wife and mother will never be forgotten. My sincere feelings.
Corintha - from Rio de Janeiro- Brazil
Richard pink
July 10, 2020
Dear David and Jed,
On behalf of the entire Teaneck High School Class of 1962, and some of her close friends, I express our deepest sympathy on the loss of your amazing Jane. Its so wonderful to read all these memorials and know that our dear friend remained the bright, vibrant, gentle, friendly, and generous soul we knew back in the day. We did a video interview with Jane on The Carousel 10 years ago prior to our 50th reunion and she shared your journey together, and talked as much about you and Jed as she did about her accomplishment. We feel your pain, but know Jane will live on eternally in our hearts and minds.
All the best
Richie Pink
Chair, Reunion Committee
THS Class of 1962
Vít Hoej
July 10, 2020
Dear Jane, In Pandemic seclusion upstate, we will plant a Memorial Tree for you in this gorgeous spot of the Hudson River Valley. Will always remember you when getting a glimpse of your carousel from Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge or from the roof of our building (your building where our rehearsal studio has been for !( years now) on Jay Street in DUMBO.
Fiona Westphal
July 9, 2020
In shock and disbelieve about reading this news.My deepest and heartfelt condolences to David and Jed and rest of her family.
Nobody had a bigger heart than you Jane and you will be so dearly missed.Words can not express the sorrow I feel and the gratitude I have to have known you.May you rest in peace . We will never forget your joy passion and generosity.A tremendous loss to this world,but your loving memory will live forever!!
Ken Kinzer
July 9, 2020
Jane was such a lovely person. She always had a smile and stopped to say hello. She treated us like her Dumbo family and we were happy to provide any service we could . My wife and family are so sad to hear that she is gone! We send David and the family our deepest sympathy. Jane was a class above and we know you and our community will miss her terribly. We were lucky to know her . Ken and Zach and family Bridgestone Cleaners
Helaine Fendelman
July 9, 2020
Jane was one of the kindest, most generous women with whom I had contact. She was a treasure and will be missed! To David, her children and grandchildren, my condolences
Mark L. Paulk
July 9, 2020
Jane touched my heart with her easy, friendly ways. We met for mundane reasons, but she always lingered to enjoy exchanging stories of South Africa and related adventures. She is already missed!
Vít Hoej
July 9, 2020
OH, what an unexpected blow! Jane let us kindly perform our Marionette Hamlet on her carousel, when it was still on display only, on Water Street. Those three weeks were an absolute treat for us, for the audiences and for our antique marionettes who met and were allowed to ride the gorgeous antique horses, swans and coaches. How beautifully and lovingly she restored them, dedicating many years of her life! Rest in peace, Jane. Thank you again.
Karl Junkersfeld
July 9, 2020
Thank you, Jane, for all your wonderful contributions to the Arts with particular attention to were wonderful carousel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_hWvGZsDK0
Chris Havens
July 9, 2020
I was blessed to work for David & Jed Walentas in the early years of dumbo's rise. Jane was a guiding presence, setting the creative tone with her elegance and sheer class. Unfailingly kind to me and others, inspiring in her taste and vision, she made many substantial contributions to the growth of Brooklyn as a creative center. She will be sorely missed. Thoughts and sympathies to her family, my dear friends. Always grateful to the Walentas family.
Richard Temerian
July 9, 2020
May her memory be a blessing. Caroline and I were deeply saddened to learn of Jane's passing. She was a beautiful and generous spirit. Our thoughts and pryers are with David and Jed and family.
Bernard FitzGerald, Jr.
July 9, 2020
We will not forget Jane Walentas, all she had done for DUMBO, Janes Carousel, etc.
J. Walentas had been a gift to humanity who will be missed greatly by all.
Sharon Steel-FitzGerald
Bernard FitzGerald, Jr.
Sea Girt, New Jersey 08750
jiset g Contreras
July 8, 2020
m an so sorry to hear that mrs dear Jane has passed , I did her hair for years and she was an angel in every way !!! We will truly be missed tremendously!!! We love you Jane !! R.I.P
Ken and Fran Novakoff
July 8, 2020
Jane will always be remembered for being a wonderful, generous person, and benefactor of so much wonderful art for NYC. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Sue Stoffel
July 8, 2020
Our lives were intertwined in the most unexpected ways. And yes, her unassuming and quiet demeanor wielded power and strength that made us all that much more in awe of her.
Connie Smeriglio
July 8, 2020
Thank you for keeping the magic alive. You will never be forgotten and forever be remembered whenever we see your carousel
John Caruso
July 8, 2020
Drs. Lila & Richard Nachtigall, Sharon Cravitz & all of us at FWW
July 8, 2020
Jane's generosity and friendship was felt by each one of us at the Foundation for Women's Wellness. She supported everything we do and made a hugely positive difference. We all loved being around Jane. She was truly gracious, unassuming, thoughtful and generous by every metric. We will greatly miss her presence, our conversations and her beautiful smile, warmth and care.
New England Carousel Museum
July 8, 2020
We were saddened to hear of Jane's passing. Her dedication to the restoration and preservation of PTC #61 aka "Jane's Carousel" was truly a lifelong labor of love and she will be deeply missed.
The Coney Island Museum
July 8, 2020
Sincere condolences from the Coney Island Museum.
Shelly Dinstein
July 8, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Walentas family. Jane with a woman with such grace, talent, and generosity. The world is now a lesser place without her.
Cate McC.
July 8, 2020
s a lifetime resident of the Youngstown, Ohio, area I will be forever indebted to Jane for saving and restoring our beloved carousel. Not only was I on board the last time it turned here in Youngstown (and had ridden for almost an hour to be sure to be on the very last spin), I had the high bid on one of the horses at the auction. I (and everyone around me) cried tears of absolute joy when it sold as a unit, as it deserved to be. She made an entire city area so happy and those of us who remember Idora will always smile when we see pictures of it up and running again. Someday, I will ride it again and I know the tears will flow, all thanks to Jane and David. Tear are flyowing now over her passing - the world needed her and is a lesser place today without her. Bless you, Jane! You are one of the truly wonderful people who touched so many hearts just by being you. And thank you!
Nancy
July 7, 2020
Thank you for restoring my childhood carousel. It never looked as good as when you were done with it.
Nancy from Youngstown, Ohio
Geraldina & Fernando Geddo
July 7, 2020
Jane's work, dedication, and love for the carrousels, was a new air that strengthened a commitment to our Carrousel here in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Today we feel very sad for this passing, but we are sure that Jane's inspiration will remain forever.
Geraldina and Fernando Geddo
July 7, 2020
Jane's work, dedication, and love for the carrousels, was a new air that strengthened a commitment to our Carrousel here in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Today we feel very sad for this passing, but we are sure that Jane's inspiration will remain forever.
Geraldina and Fernando Geddo
July 7, 2020
Jane's work, dedication, and love for the carrousels, was a new air that strengthened a commitment to our Carrousel here in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Today we feel very sad for this passing, but we are sure that Jane's inspiration will remain foreber.
Kris Kruid
July 7, 2020
I am so very very sorry to learn of Jane's passing. She was a remarkable person. I think of her every time I walk into my barn and look at the things she gave to me. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to know her. Sending love to you, David.
Jim and Jackie Shulman
July 7, 2020
We are very sad to learn of Jane's passing and offer our condolences to David and the family. We were looking forward to meeting with Jane this summer to present the National Carousel Association Historic Carousel Award for her beautiful work and passion for Jane's restoring the carousel. May our thoughts be with you and the family during this time of healing. Peace, love and health, Jim and Jackie
Janice Ferry
July 7, 2020
I am saddened by her passing. I was fortunate enough to visit her "warehouse" in which she did the restoration of the carousel. I greew up in Youngstown and have such fond memories of Idora and the carousel. She even allowed us (adults) to ride it before it left the warehouse for the final home. A great memory.
Lisa Mangels-Schaefer
July 7, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family, and sincerest thanks to Jane for her incredibly generous nature.
Linda Siczkar
July 7, 2020
I met Jane at our Long Island NCA Convention and was so charmed by her wit and commitment to her carousel and the love of all carousels. Each time I have been to NYC we always make our way to ride her treasure. So saddened by the loss of such a great carousel advocate. Her generosity and kindness will be greatly missed.
Julia Prater
July 7, 2020
Jane left us all a beautiful legacy in her magnificently restored carousel. We visit for a ride every trip to New York. Peace and blessings to her loved ones.
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in JANE WALENTAS's name
Memorial Events
for JANE WALENTAS
How to support JANE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JANE WALENTAS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
