Jane Warden Folkman

DARTMOUTH – Jane Warden Folkman, 68, died at home on Friday, September 8, 2023. Jane loved her three children, Erin, Alicia, and David, family, and friends dearly. She was deeply loved by so many – leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, on February 8, 1955, she was the oldest daughter of the late Dr. John A. and Theresa "Bettie" Warden. Her early years were spent in West Virginia until the family moved north to Hamilton, Massachusetts. She attended Hamilton Wenham High School. Following in her father's footsteps, she attended the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont where she graduated magna cum laude with degrees in Animal Sciences and Human Nutrition and Food. She continued her education and earned a graduate degree with honors in Public Health Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jane's presence was enormous, and her joyful and fun-loving demeanor would light up any room. She had quite a flair for theatrics; she wasn't only the life of party, most times she was the party. From holiday celebrations to backyard barbeques and Jimmy Buffett concerts, you could count on Jane to throw a one-of-a-kind gathering, and often she would come prepared in a creative costume she thoughtfully put together with supporting props to share with all. Everyone who knew her has a "Jane story" to make them laugh and remember their time together.
Jane's deep appreciation for nature and connection to animals was extraordinary, and her wonder for the world was contagious. She grew up riding and caring for her horses, a Shetland pony, Queenie, and a show jumper, Bucky, at her home in Hamilton. This kicked off a lifetime passion of care, competition, and companionship with animals. One of her proudest accomplishments was starting Seastar Kennel where she bred award-winning Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers ("Tollers"). The accomplishments were extensive, including showing at Madison Square Garden and winning at the Super Bowl of dog shows, Westminster, in the first year Tollers were recognized by the American Kennel Club. Above all though, it was sharing the joy of Tollers with her family and friends that was most special to her.
Jane loved the ocean, building sandcastles, riding in her signature caravans, golf cart and new white pickup truck. She was an avid hiker, skier, boater, and overall adventurer – spending as much time outside in nature as she could. From daily walks with her dogs to family ski trips to Utah and Vermont to boat rides on Buzzards Bay with her dear family and friends, Jane appreciated the world like no other. When she was bit by a shark while scuba diving in Belize, she didn't pack up and head home but rather was stitched up and headed to the local bar where she was honored like a celebrity with drinks and festivities. She was known to many as "Auntie Shark Bite."
Jane was truly a dynamic individual who accomplished much professionally, too. Early in her career Jane worked as a nutritionist at the Joslin Diabetes center in Boston and was the former president of the Massachusetts Dietetic Association. Most recently, she was a team member at Davoll's General Store in her hometown of South Dartmouth, and shared how much she loved working there. Though, she was most driven by being the matriarch of her family. She was the ultimate caregiver and life teacher, and her generosity was unmatched. She coined the term "Shellabration" and celebrated holidays and good times at her home with family and friends – always providing a welcoming and fun environment where everyone could be themselves. Jane was a beautiful soul and is off on her next adventure. She will be sorely missed by the countless lives she touched.
She is survived by her three loving children, Erin Libardoni and her husband Carl of Cambridge, Alicia Folkman and her wife Rebecca of Dartmouth, David Folkman and his wife Kristen of Richmond, Vermont. She is also survived by her four siblings, John A. Warden, Jr. and his wife Pam of North Andover, Gregg M. Warden and his wife Paula of Rowley, Christopher F. Warden and his wife Trang of San Francisco, California and Laurie E. Warden and her husband Lundy Carre of Tewksbury. She was the sister of the late Roy A. Warden. Jane leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She also leaves behind her toller companion, Sandy and predeceased tollers Rosie, Sadie, Magic, and Hope.
ARRANGEMENTS: Jane's wishes were for people not to be sad about her passing but to remember the good times they had with her. A "Shellabration" of her life will be planned for 2024. Information and details to be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Jane wished for donation to be made in her memory at the following:
The Roy A. Warden Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established by Jane's parents after the passing of their son and her brother, Roy, at the young age of 20. The memorial scholarship is awarded each Spring to a deserving graduating student who demonstrates academic excellence, a commitment to faith, is college-bound, and is a member of St. Paul's Parish, 50 Union Street, Hamilton, MA 01982.
Donations to her brother's Scholarship, click the link below:
The Roy A. Warden Memorial Scholarship Donation
https://givebutter.com/RoyWardenScholarship
Or, to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital for the benefit of sick children.
Donations to St. Jude's, click the link below:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Donation
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html