Jane H. Edgerton

Jane Elizabeth (Haugh) Edgerton, 87, of Old Saybrook, widow of William (Bill) R. Edgerton, passed away March 5, 2015, at Gladeview Health Care Center.

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of Charles J. and Carleta O. Haugh. Jane was raised in Summit, NJ, and moved to West Hartford in the middle of her senior year of high school. She graduated from Stephens College, Columbia, MO, and the Child Education Foundation, associated with Adelphi University, in NYC. She taught for two years in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Upon her return to West Hartford, Jane taught at Smith School, meeting a number of teachers who would become lifelong friends. In 1956 she married Bill and soon left teaching to raise a family. As her children grew, she occasionally worked as a substitute teacher in the West Hartford school system. She belonged to several organizations, including the College Club of Hartford. In the 1970's she returned to teaching full-time at Renbrook School.

In 1985, Jane and Bill moved permanently to Old Saybrook. An active member of the First Church of Christ in Saybrook, Jane was involved in a number of committees and activities, including the soup kitchen and rummage sale. Jane worked for many years at the Westbrook Public Library, first as a volunteer and then on the staff. She loved working both with the close-knit library staff and the patrons. An avid reader, she was a member of several book clubs. Jane also loved to travel, and as a young woman was able to travel with her aunt, most memorably to Alaska. Later in life she enjoyed overseas travel, including a Scandinavian cruise.

She spent her later years at Gladeview Health Care Center in Old Saybrook, where she formed many warm and close friendships. Jane's family would like to express their deep gratitude and thanks to the Gladeview staff for their loving care. The family would also like to recognize the staff at the Shoreline Medical Center, Westbrook, for their kindness and compassionate care during her many admissions in recent years.

She is survived by a son and his wife, Stewart and Marcia Edgerton, of Unionville; a daughter and her husband, Barbara and L. Nicholas Muelhaupt, of Clearwater, FL; and a grandson, William A. Edgerton.

Jane’s sparkling personality, sharp wit and bright smile will be greatly missed.

At Jane's request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, PO Box 804, Essex, CT 06426, or at shorelinesoupkitchens.org. Arrangements are being handled by Swan Funeral Home, Old Saybrook. To leave online condolences, please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com.