Obituary of Mary Jane Taft

Mary Jane Taft, 80, of County Route 103, Woodhull, passed away on Monday evening, December 3, 2012 at Highland Hospital in Rochester following an extended illness. Born in Prattsburg, NY on July 4, 1932, Mary Jane was the only child of the late Lawrence and Ruth Cady Parker. She was a graduate of Jasper Central School and the Hornell Business Institute. On July 17, 1953, Mary Jane and James F. Taft were married in Jasper. Jim survives. They celebrated 59 years of marriage this year. Mary Jane was employed as the first secretary of the Principle at Jasper Central School. She was always very involved in civic activities, having been the district clerk for the former Woodhull Union Free School, past treasurer and a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodhull, served as treasurer of the Woodhull Fire District and served as an election inspector for many years. She and Jim were very involved with the creation and planning on the Woodhull Community Day Committee where Mary Jane was a long time treasurer. She was a former member and past Matron of OES Chapter 273 in Woodhull. She was a very talented seamstress and made clothing for her family over the years, as well as enjoying craft projects. Mary Jane's contributions as a partner with Jim on the family dairy farm were integral to the success of their farm. Preceding Mary Jane in death were her infant daughter, Cinda Louise Taft in 1969 daughter, Rhonda Askins on Dec. 7, 2005 and her son in law, Loren Dennis. Surviving are her husband, James Taft at home, her daughters, Linda Dennis of Woodhull and Brenda and husband, Denis Trainor of Amenia, NY, her son in law, James Askins of Jacksonville, NC, her grandchildren, Heather Dennis, Kristy (Scott) Flint, Michael (Jennifer) Dennis, Sherry (Raymond) Cary, Curtis Dennis, Kyle Askins, Ryan Askins, Mitchell Trainor and Colleen Trainor, 7 great grandchildren, as well as several cousins. Friends may call on Friday, Dec. 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Funeral services will be conducted there on Saturday at 11 AM with Rev. Adrian Essigmann officiating. Burial will be in Woodhull Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Woodhull Community Day Committee or to a choice of the donor. Service: Saturday, December 8, 2012 11:00 AM H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home 1607 Main St. Woodhull, New York Visitation: Friday, December 7, 2012 2-4 and 7-9 PM H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home 1607 Main St. Woodhull, New York