Jane Lona Graves

Jane Lona Graves, 88, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. Born in Adena, Ohio, on November 15, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Zoltan and Wanda (Stankiewicz) Kaszei and the beloved wife of the late Bryan E. Graves of Freehold, New Jersey. Jane is lovingly remembered by her younger siblings, Richard Kaszei (Marlene) and Barbara Dickey (Jack); her children, Brenda Graves Floeck and Brent Graves (Ellen); her grandchildren, Jennifer Bianco (Tomas), Alexander Floeck, Taylor Maser (Jon), and Travis Graves; and her great-grandchildren, Vincent Bianco, Gina Bianco, Gracelyn Graves, and Owen Graves. A proud graduate of Ohio University, Jane began her career as a second-grade teacher, where her warmth and patience left a lasting impression on her students. Soon after, she met her husband, Bryan Graves, from Brattleboro, Vermont. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, friendship, and tennis - one of Jane's lifelong passions. Jane's grace and beauty were matched only by her creativity and sense of style. She won several pageants in her youth and even appeared on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen in 1956. Her eye for design shone through in her tasteful fashion and home décor, creating spaces that reflected both elegance and joy. In 1984, Jane founded The Red Balloon Nursery School in Matawan, New Jersey. As owner, director, and teacher for over 25 years, she nurtured many young students with love and care. Jane will be remembered for the many lives she touched through teaching, friendship, and love. Her legacy lives on in her family and in all who were fortunate enough to know her. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane, please visit our floral store.