Jane P. Sheldon

Lansing, NY

Jane Ann Phoenix Sheldon passed away comforted by her loving husband, children, and dog, Mac, in her home on May 27, 2014. She was born on December 20, 1929. Jane is survived by her husband and soul mate of 62 years, Donald Sheldon, Lansing, NY, their five children: Diane Sheldon-Wilson, Oklahoma City, OK, Donald Jr. (Kathleen), Arlington, TX, Linda Sheldon Petak, Lansing, NY, Mary Sheldon (Mark Randall), Lansing, NY, and Peter Sheldon, world traveler. She is also survived by four grandsons, Brian (Annette) Petak, Denton, TX, Zachary Sheldon and Alec Sheldon, Arlington, TX, and Jeremy Petak, Flagstaff, AZ, two great-grandchildren, Michaela and Bryson Petak, her brother, Gary (JanLee) Phoenix, Scottsdale, AZ, and her beloved boxer, MacGuinness. Jane also left behind a multitude of well-loved nieces and nephews (of the regular, great and great-great variety) and many cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen, her mom, Virginia Little Phoenix (Syracuse), her uncle, Merrill Phoenix (Syracuse) and father, Robert Phoenix (Arizona).

Jane met Donald, her future love of 62 years (and at that time a Lieutenant in the Air Force), on a blind date just a few months after she graduated with a Bachelor Degree from Syracuse University School of Nursing (BSRN). They married a year later and she became an active military wife and mother. For the next 20 years, Jane enjoyed moving and traveling; she and her family explored as much as possible of each part of the world they were stationed. When Donald retired from the Air Force and they settled in Lansing, N.Y., Jane went to work at Auburn Memorial Hospital as an OR nurse. All the while, she continued to be an active participant in her children’s school events.

Jane was a voracious reader, a knitter, sewer/quilter, crafter/painter/artist and gardener whose hands and mind were never idle. Traveling was also a passion; she and Donald most enjoyed getting in a car and driving long distances over back roads. After she retired from Auburn Memorial Hospital, Jane and Don explored other parts of the United States and world they had always wanted, such as wandering around the southwest, going on an Alaskan cruise, and visiting Don’s parent’s birthplace of Plymouth, England.

Jane was one of the first volunteers to work at the newly created Lansing Town Library; she continued to work there for many years enjoying the beautiful renovations and the victory vote that created a permanent librarian position. Volunteering gave her a chance to take out the 8-10 books a week she read. Jane was an active member in the Lansing Historical Society and the Lansing Fireman’s Auxiliary. She truly enjoyed the people and world around her and was adored back by most everyone who met her. Jane had a feisty spirit and a beautiful soul; she was beloved by her husband and her children. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd. or the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, 612 W. State St., both in Ithaca, NY 14850. No immediate services are scheduled; a memorial service will be held at future date. Lansing Funeral Home is assisting the family.