Jane Alice Markiano

Jane was born October 13, 194? To Alice (nee Kirk) and Michael Markiano in Montgomery, Alabama, and she passed away January 10, 2025 in Merced, California. As a dependent in an Air Force family, she attended many schools during her childhood. Her family ultimately settled in Merced; where she graduated from Our Lady of Mercy School and went on to attend Modesto Junior College. She subsequently worked as a dental hygienist, flight attendant, and paraprofessional at Livingston High School until she retired in 2003.

Jane was proud of her Irish-Italian heritage. Perhaps it was this “Gaelic and garlic” combination that fostered a love of travel that went beyond her professional involvement as a flight attendant. In retirement, she loved to take cruises to various parts of the globe, and she was always outgoing and able to strike up a conversation and form lasting friendships with people she met from multiple countries. At LHS, she was able to share her love of gardening with her special education students in horticulture classes, and she was a long-time member of the “lunch bunch” on that campus. She looked forward every year to attending the Merced County Fair and adored the singing of Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson. Al Pacino was another heartthrob. Family ties and roots in Illinois were vital part of her life. She was also a determined advocate for the well-being of animals, especially cats. Many found a home with her, were spayed or neutered, and lived their best lives as love sponges in her care.

Jane was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her cousins in Illinois and Connecticut.

A devout and devoted Catholic, Jane was sustained by her faith through the difficult times in her life. A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merced.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations would be greatly appreciated: New Beginnings for Merced County Animals, (www.newbeginningsforanimalsmerced.org or P.O. Box 1045, Winton, CA 95388). Or Merced S.P.C.A., (www.mercedspca.org or P.O. Box 929, Merced, CA 95341).

Jane brought much light and enthusiasm to those fortunate to know her. Her many friends and colleagues will cherish their memories of her intelligence, wit, and caring for others, and they will know that she was a grand example of humanity at its finest.