Jane Rogers Statchen

Stonington - Jane Rogers Statchen, 88, an early education pioneer and lifelong Connecticut resident, passed away Jan. 2, 2026, in Stonington, surrounded by her loving family.

Jane was born and raised in Plainville, the daughter of Melvin E. and Helen (Perret) Rogers. She grew up "the Baker's Daughter," spending much of her time working at the family business, Rogers Bakery. She graduated from Plainville High School and then attended Central Connecticut State University, where she received both a bachelor's and a master's degree in education. Her career demonstrated a lifelong dedication to early childhood education and a deep recognition of the importance of pre-kindergarten opportunities for all children. Her first job after graduation was teaching in the Farmington school district, before she took some time off to have her three children. Once her youngest child entered nursery school in 1972, Jane returned to teaching in the Bristol school district, where she remained until her retirement in 2002. For those 30 years, she taught three- and four-year-olds in the Head Start program, instilling in them her lifelong love of learning.

Jane's dedication to her students was unwavering. She was a social justice advocate in education, ensuring her students were positioned to succeed. She initially taught at Patterson Elementary School, but in the early 1980s, she moved to Bristol Eastern High School, where she remained for the rest of her career. In that program, Jane not only taught her pre-kindergartners, but also integrated high school students interested in teaching into her classroom. By having high-school students help in the classroom and cheer on their younger schoolmates at the annual concerts, she created an exceptional learning environment and a sense of community.

She and her husband Bob raised their family in Burlington, and greatly enjoyed the many summers they spent on Lord's Point in Stonington. Her favorite pastime by far was attending music, sports, school and any events in which her grandchildren participated. Jane also took great pleasure in bringing her extended family together for holiday and birthday party celebrations throughout the years. Jane was always found at the piano leading a sing-along and was never more delighted than when her family joined in to play and or sing in the family ensemble. She knew which instruments people played and created her own songbooks so everyone could participate. She took her place at the piano, and the show began. Her goal was always to have love and harmony emanating from the family home.

Jane enjoyed traveling to her property in Readsboro, Vt., and her condo in Cocoa Beach, Fla. She also enjoyed a good tag sale or thrift shop and passed the love of treasure hunting down to her children and grandchildren.

Jane was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Robert Theodore Statchen, in 2013; and her dearest brothers, Melvin P. Rogers in 2002 and Donald E. Rogers in 2017. She leaves her children, Lee Louise Gluck, Martha Jane Slater and Robert Rogers Statchen; her son-in-law, Daniel Gluck and daughter-in-law Harriet Jones Statchen; her most beloved grandchildren: Sammy, Rosie, Danny, Chloe, Hannah, Tommy, Janey, and Cate; and her dear friends Hoover James and Vita Delfranco. She also leaves many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the excellent staff at Westerly Hospital, especially the third-floor and emergency room nurses, as well as the caregivers at Masonicare Hospice services.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Mystic Funeral Home, (Route 1) 51 Williams Avenue, Mystic, and from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the United Methodist Church, 56 Red Stone Hill, Plainville.

In honor of her lifelong dedication to early childhood education and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made here (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/V9dBzA?vid=1o1a70) to The Jane Rogers Statchen Education Scholarship at Central Connecticut State University, which supports Early Childhood Education students who are members of an underrepresented group or have demonstrated financial need.