Jean Dorothy "Jane" Lloyd

Jean Dorothy Lloyd "Jane"

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Jean "Jane" Dorothy Lloyd, a woman of great energy, intelligence, and boundless compassion for others. Jane was born September 9, 1927, in Hornchurch, Essex, United Kingdom and passed away peacefully February 25, 2026 in Rochester, New York, surrounded by family. Throughout her 98 years Jane lived life at full volume – in spirit and in nature – enriching the lives of all who knew her with her sharp mind and wit, courageous and loving heart, and the honest humility that came from deep empathy and care for others.

In her youth Jane survived WWII in England, at times sleeping under a table to protect her from shrapnel during German bombing. She claimed her secret to life was "luck".

As a young woman, Jane worked in the Bank of England as a runner, the beginning of her trademark speedwalking. After the war she trained as a nurse with books purchased using a pound of rationed sugar. On the wards she was known to some as "the blonde bombshell". She cared for many of the War's injured, finding a particular fondness for neurosurgery.

Jane married Dr. John Stuart Lloyd, a physician, in 1955. They emigrated with their three children to the US in 1962. She spent the rest of her life longing for a return home, raising her children and grandchildren in the traditions of her youth. Jane was divorced in 1983 and for the succeeding decades provided an example of a strong, independent woman for her two daughters, four granddaughters and seven great-granddaughters.

An accomplished seamstress, Jane and her partners ran a sewing and fabrics shop in New Hartford, NY in the 1970s. Her handmade clothing, especially hand-knit sweaters with unique child-focused designs, are still being worn by the newest generation. In the early 1980s Jane moved to Rochester to be near family. There Jane dedicated 22 years to serving special needs children in the Fairport schools, showing them love, compassion, and a sharp sense of humor.

Jane was a voracious reader, an appetite that her family struggled to satisfy in later years. She frequently left the library with a stack of books only to return a few days later for more. In the last few years she exhausted the local library of "anything worth reading". More than riches she highly valued a good book and spared no derision for poor ones. Perpetually curious and a life-long learner she attended elder hostels, enrolled in adult classes at various institutions, including Cornell, and one summer joined an archeological excavation in Tortola. Jane knew a good deal about history and literature, a little about almost everything, and was a great conversationalist on a wide range of topics. She could, and did, strike up conversations with everyone she met.

Thriftly meeting her own needs, she loved helping and giving to others. Jane often came to the aid of friends and family, and was a regular contributor to Mouth and Foot Painting Artists and the United Way. A perpetual rooter for the underdog and strident supporter of animal rights and care, Jane was a life-long contributor to the ASPCA and opened her own home to give many that had been cast aside by others the warmth, safety, and love that all creatures deserve. Jane extended that same kindness to the people she met. Easy to befriend, she offered support and more than occasionally a hot meal and warm bed to old and new friends alike.

Simple things brought her joy. She knew the names of the plants in her, and your, garden, and the birds that visited the blossoms there. She loved the smell of rain and the earthy aroma of good compost. She appreciated the bite of a crisp morning, the warmth and crackle of a glowing fireplace, and the chatter and laughter of a party. She loved art, theatre, and music. She liked a good cup of tea. She adored her family.

In addition to her parents, George and Dorothy Robinson, Jane was preceded in death by her favorite uncle, Burvil Candy, her daughter Caroline Jane Mercuri, and close friend Gwen Lidstone. She is survived by her older son David Rhys Lloyd and much-loved daughter-in-law Laurie, her son Dominic Alexander Lloyd, her daughter Catrin Magaret Mackey, her grandchildren Alyssun (Lloyd) Scuderi, Evan Lloyd (Brittany), Andrew Lloyd, Morgan Lloyd, Hayley and Joe Storm, Adrian Lloyd, Ryan Mercuri, Dylan Mercuri, and Alexandra Lloyd, and twelve great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind hundreds of children and teachers who knew her intellect and felt her love, dozens for whom she was their "special friend Jane", and her aid and friend Rachel Braziel.

Waiting for her with wagging tails are her furry friends Bella, Zeubber, Patches, Gracie, Gertrude, Rags, Wendy, Max, Ginger, Kitty, Boy, Big Puss, Little Puss, Smokey Joe, Willie, Ginny, Bootes, Gizmo, Jax, Gumper, Daisy, Lady, Spencer, Elphie "the girl" and Petunia (Sophie).

In lieu of flowers we encourage you to consider continuing her work with a donation to the ASPCA , Lollypop Farm (from which she took home more than one senior dog of questionable character) or an organization that serves and assists special needs children.

Memorial services will be held in the spring. For information contact JaneLloydRemembrance@gmail.com.