Jane Stone
Jul. 1, 1924 - Nov. 15, 2018 San Carlos
Jane Danese Stone, age 94, of San Carlos CA passed away peacefully at her home on November 15, 2018. Jane was born on July 1, 1924 in Chicopee Falls, MA, one of 4 children to Dewey George Stone (father, deceased), and Yvonne Rose (Paradise) Stone (mother, deceased). Also deceased is her brother, Frank Harold Stone and her sister, Barbara Johnston. Jane leaves behind a sister, Yvonne Dora Godek, a niece, Linda Hornig, and two great nephews, Joseph Robert Eagan and Carl John Hornig.
Jane grew up and attended school in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and Groveton, New Hampshire. As a child she developed an interest in science and engineering, and worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company, Hartford, CT. after high school. During WWII, Jane enlisted in the women’s auxiliary of the US Naval Reserve. Through stretching exercises, Jane was able to increase her height to the required minimum, and was admitted into the WAVES. She served with pride at US Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla. (NAS Jax), where her dedication and accomplishments earned her the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class. Upon discharge Jane moved to the San Francisco Bay area where she studied engineering and music at San Francisco State University.
In 1951 she was one of the first female employees at Hewlett-Packard, and around that time she purchased her first home and settled in San Carlos. What a trailblazer! During her long career at HP she was well liked and respected by her peers and worked there until 1984 when she retired. She loved to tell stories about how both “Hewlett” and “Packard” would personally hand deliver checks on payday!
Jane was a lifelong Democrat and very liberal minded. When she wasn’t working, reading, playing the piano, watching classical music performances, giving financial advice to other seniors, or volunteering at Little House (Menlo Park), she attended political events in San Carlos. Her friends would describe her as intelligent, witty and funny, loyal, independent and above all, strong. She survived cancer of the kidney in her 80’s! Jane enjoyed connecting with children and animals, and nature. She walked the neighborhood daily, and made many friends throughout the years. In her mid-80’s she adopted a little dog, Tiger, whom she adored. Jane loved living in California, and enjoyed visiting with family and rediscovering nature in the Fall, back East.
Jane’s family is deeply grateful to Maria Madraswala, Jane’s long-time personal caregiver, for her loving and devoted attention, and to Leslie Muzzolini who relieved Jane of her financial responsibilities, made sure Jane never spent a holiday alone, and preserved her dignity and ensured her ability to remain at home until her passing.
Internment service: 12/20/18 at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside, CA 93955 at 2:00.