About
Jane Spellman Obituary
Born November 8, 1930, to Ruth Reedy and Judge Eugene F. Sullivan in Fulton, NY. After graduation from Fulton High School, Jane Ann proudly attended Smith College in Northampton, MA, graduating in 1952. Jane Ann went on to work at Girl Scouts of America in Toledo, OH, working both in the US and internationally.
Jane Ann moved back to the Mohawk Valley, where set met the love of her life Jim Spellman. They were married in Fulton on January 25, 1969. They settled at 100 John Street in Ilion, where they enjoyed adventures, travel and nature in their marriage of 35 years. Jane also enjoyed spending every summer at her second home on Lake Ontario.
Jane Ann worked at Herkimer County Historical Society for 53 years, serving as Director for over 25 years. In 2020 she was inducted into the Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame as a Living Legend.
In 2016, at the age of 86, at the Cosmopolitan Club in Manhattan, she received the Herbert H. Lehman Prize for Distinguished Scholarship from the New York Academy of History. This award is given to individuals who have contributed to the history of New York.
Jane Ann wrote, edited and published 2 books, Women Belong in History Books, Volumes 1 and 2. She also oversaw the publication of Herkimer County at 200. In addition, she co-wrote the book Camp Hollis, Origins of Oswego County's Children's Camp. She was very proud of her family's work and affiliation with Camp Hollis.
Jane Ann was pre-deceased by her husband, Jim, her parents, her brother, Pat (Eugene), and sister Sheila. She will be missed but never forgotten by her brother and sister-in-law Mike(Robert) and Barbara Sullivan, and sister-in-law Fran Sullivan,along with nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Calling hours will be on Friday, February 16, 2024,from 4:00 until 6:00 pm at Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place in Annunciation Church, Ilion on Saturday, February 17th at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Forrest Hill Cemetery
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jane Ann Spellman, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
115 Court Street, Herkimer, NY 13350
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Recent Obituaries
4 Entries
Stuart and Louise Lerman
February 23, 2024
We are very sorry to hear of Jane's passing. She was a very special lady. We send you our deepest sympathies.
Stuart and Louise Lerman
(Your neighbors across the hall at Acacia Village)
Judy Burgeson
February 16, 2024
Every moment was awesome when you were with Jane - she was always interested in you and had wonderful things to impart your way. Loved that age wasn't a factor in being friends with the Spellmans ! Jane was always thrilled and happiest when sharing time with her friends and family. A great lady and will be missed. Her smiles, her laughter will remain with us all. Peace and love to all who knew Janey! Judy Burgeson
Dave Dudajek
February 14, 2024
Often dealt with Jane on many projects. She was a great lady and made huge contributions to our community.
Carol Hummel Aufmuth
February 14, 2024
Jane was such a delightful person !!!
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