Betty Jane Somers

1944 - 2021

Betty Jane Somers, 76, of Delanson, NY, died September 15, 2021, after being stricken at home. The daughter of Elizabeth and John Wilcox, Jane was born in Alexandria Bay, NY, while her father served in the U.S. Army in Europe. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Wayne Somers, her nieces Denise Woodin and Kelly Woodin, grand-niece Grace Woodin, sister-in-law Judith Woodin, brother-in-law Paul Woodin and several cousins and longtime friends, including Karen Peters, Diane Harps, Caroline Hardy, John Hawley and Claire Guiducci. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert Wilcox and her sister Marjorie Smith. Jane was raised in the Finger Lakes region where her father served as a high school principal and later Cornell University professor. After earning a B.A. in Theatre and an M.S. in Library Science from the State University of New York at Albany, she worked as a librarian at Union College and the Mohawk Valley Library Association, and as Director of the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library in Albany, from which she retired in 2006. She also served a term as board president of The Friends of the Schenectady County Library. Jane enjoyed reading, especially about Arctic exploration, and attending jazz concerts. While she loved restoring and improving the 19th century farmhouse she shared with Wayne, she also enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and Europe, making separate trips to Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Norway, the Czech Republic, Alaska and Nova Scotia. A memorial gathering will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 10 at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State Street, Schenectady. During a brief program beginning at 3 p.m., friends will be invited to share memories of Jane. Those who prefer to do this in writing may send their text to Denise Woodin (careyw5021@gmail.com), who will read it aloud. To express condolences, visit www.sbfuneralhome.com. Donations in Jane's memory may be made to Friends of Schenectady County Public Library.