Jane Pearsall

Jane F. Pearsall, formerly of Frontenac Road in Trumansburg, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the age of 88.

Born on July 9, 1919, Jane was the daughter of Abbott and Helen Newkirk France. She was a graduate of the Woodmere High School on Long Island and the National Academy of Design in Manhattan. Jane also served in the U.S. Navy during WW II, receiving an Honorable Discharge on February 9, 1946.

Jane enjoyed her position in the Art Studio at Cornell for many years. In the community, her artistic talents were appreciated through the many posters and brochures designed by Jane from 1963 to 1982 when she worked as a Library Display Artist for the Finger Lakes Library System. At home she completed many paintings and created beautiful scenes on a variety of surfaces including greeting cards and rocks. Jane's home was inviting as it was surrounded by bountiful vegetable gardens and magnificent flower gardens. The smells of her cooking and baking wafting through the open windows lured many to the table. The farm on Baker Hill Road was home to a collection of animals where Jane and her husband, Lewis F., enjoyed watching friends ride the Pearsall family horses.

The Spay/Neuter clinics in Ithaca were pioneered in the 1970's by Jane and others, providing low-cost services to SPCA clients and area pet owners, encouraging responsible pet ownership through spaying and neutering.

Many friendships were established and nurtured through her memberships in the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, Trumansburg Senior Citizens and the Harmony Falls Women's Barbershop. Her creativity contributed a great deal to the costumes and the Harmony Falls floats in the Fireman's parades.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis on July 22, 1993 and her daughter, Linda J. Pearsall on May 26, 1999. She is survived by one daughter, Laura Pearsall of Merritt Island, FL; one grandson, Christopher of Merritt Island, FL; one sister, Eunice Bush of Egg Harbor Township, NJ and many friends and neighbors.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 11:00 am at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey officiating.

Those who wish to make a contribution in Jane's memory are asked to kindly consider SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or Cayuga Nature Center, 1420 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850.