Jane R. French Mead

Jane R. Mead, 77, of Ithaca, NY passed away on August 23rd, 2020. Jane was born and raised in Worcester, MA, and attended Vassar College. After graduation, she went to Brazil as a Peace Corps volunteer with her first husband. On her return from Brazil, Jane earned a Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and taught in inner city Boston.  

In 1970, she moved to Ithaca to work as an elementary teacher while earning her NYS Administrator’s Certificate. Jane married Bob Mead in 1982. This second marriage brought nothing but joy, especially with the birth of their son, Hank, in 1985. 

Widowed in 1992, she devoted her time to teaching and raising her child. Two life-threatening illnesses made her identify those parts of her life that were most important. Taking early retirement, Jane devoted her energies to being “useful” to others and doing the things she loved: teaching Taoist Tai Chi, volunteering as a Master Gardener, playing the piano, and widening her circle of friends. 

Jane was predeceased by her parents, Randall and Margaret Ratcliffe, and her husband Robert “Bob” Mead. She is survived by her son, Robert “Hank” Mead (Heather) of Endicott, and her beloved grandson Robert Mead III. She leaves behind a circle of close friends and the innumerable lives she has touched.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather again. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Church in Ithaca or Loaves and Fishes of Ithaca.

Jane R. Mead, 77, of Ithaca, NY passed away on August 23rd, 2020. Jane was born and raised in Worcester, MA, and attended Vassar College. After graduation, she went to Brazil as a Peace Corps volunteer with her first husband. On her return from Brazil, Jane earned a Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and taught in inner city Boston.  

In 1970, she moved to Ithaca to work as an elementary teacher while earning her NYS Administrator’s Certificate. Jane married Bob Mead in 1982. This second marriage brought nothing but joy, especially with the birth of their son, Hank, in 1985. 

Widowed in 1992, she devoted her time to teaching and raising her child. Two life-threatening illnesses made her identify those parts of her life that were most important. Taking early retirement, Jane devoted her energies to being “useful” to others and doing the things she loved: teaching Taoist Tai Chi, volunteering as a Master Gardener, playing the piano, and widening her circle of friends. 

Jane was predeceased by her parents, Randall and Margaret Ratcliffe, and her husband Robert “Bob” Mead. She is survived by her son, Robert “Hank” Mead (Heather) of Endicott, and her beloved grandson Robert Mead III. She leaves behind a circle of close friends and the innumerable lives she has touched.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather again. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Church in Ithaca or Loaves and Fishes of Ithaca.

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