NORWAY — Jane Marie Armstrong Haviland died on Jan. 20, 2015, after a monthlong struggle following a stroke during the Christmas holiday. She fought her way through the month, trying to recover, communicating messages of appreciation and making those around her laugh.
Jane was born in Springfield, Mass., on May 2, 1924. She was a graduate of Westbrook College in 1944 and worked as a medical secretary for several years until her marriage to Girard S. Haviland (“Gerry”) of West Hartford in 1950. She was a longtime resident of West Hartford, Conn., where she lovingly raised three daughters, Mary, Hope and Suzanne. She and her husband were active members of the Universalist Church of West Hartford for 25 years. Jane generously participated in the Meal-on- Wheels program for many years. She and her husband also played in a Baroque recorder ensemble. Ever kind, generous and gregarious, Jane bestowed much joy on her children and was a dedicated wife to Gerry, her husband of 64 years.
The Havilands relocated to Naples, Maine, in 1986 where they lived for 16 years. They enjoyed a beautiful spot on Peabody Pond where Jane tended her wild flower gardens, catalogued birds and enjoyed the lake and wildlife. The Havilands relocated to Thorton Oaks retirement community in Brunswick, Maine, and then to Norway, Maine, in 2011 to be in proximity to their daughter, Suzanne Haviland Best.
Her family and friends will sorely miss her quick smile, her playful spirit and her generous attention to others.
She is survived by her husband Gerry, her sister Anne Bencks, her sisters-inlaw, Phyllis Hildebrandt, Faith Duffy and Anne Taylor, her three daughters, Mary Haviland, Hope Haviland and Suzanne Haviland Best as well as eight grandchildren: Reed McLean, Gem and Luck Haviland; Ciel Haviland, Matisse Hack and Kipling Haviland-Hack; and Jonah and Nathaniel Haviland Markowitz.
A memorial service will take place on Jan. 31, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Church located at 479 Main St., Norway, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cambodian Arts & Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 18186, Portland, ME 04112 or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris.
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