Jane Marie Vollmar Wheat

2/24/25

Jane Marie Vollmar Wheat was born March 15, 1928 to parents Emil and Susan Stauffer Vollmar in Johnson City, Tennessee - “Jane Marie of Tennessee”. Mom would often reflect on the frequent moving from state to state she did as a young girl. Her dad owned his own construction business and the family traveled to where good work opportunities were available for dad. They finally settled in Auburn, NY where Jane graduated from East High School on Franklin Street as World War II came to a close.

Mom got a kick out of her brother Emil dropping out of school and buzzing over East High in his airplane as a young teen. Some of her favorite memories were spending time with high school friends dancing at Dickman’s Dance Club, skating on the pond at Hoopes Park, and having fun at the Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Auburn.

Jane Wheat not only stood out because of her beautiful red hair but her outstanding abilities and unique style. After high school, she went on to graduate from Katherine Gibbs secretarial school in New York City. While visiting high school friends in Washington DC, she was offered a position with Senator Richard M. Nixon’s secretarial staff, and she actively worked to get President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon elected in 1952. During this campaign she was pictured on the front page of major newspapers with Senator Nixon. After the election, Mom left to get married and start a family. The marriage did not work out so she moved back to Auburn with her four young children, Jennifer, Melissa, and twins Jonathan and David. She got a job at General Electric and moved her family to Skaneateles, where their beloved brown poodle, Suzette, joined them. Later, she accepted a position as secretary for the Village Attorney, Ted Lavery.

The turmoil of the 1960s was tough. In the early 1960s, Jane was heartbroken when her mom, Mama Sue, told her she was passing away. Mom cried like crazy when Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968. She recognized how much our country had changed. The 1960s seemed to give Mom strength to continue pursuing goals to better herself and her family. Mom’s journey led her to Syracuse University where she was the Chancellor’s secretary and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English, cost free. She graduated during the Nixon presidency and received a personal congratulatory letter from President Nixon and a write up in the Syracuse newspaper. She tried teaching before accepting an Adoptions Investigator position with Onondaga County at the Syracuse courthouse.

Despite her busy schedule working and going to school, Jane managed to cook scrumptious and healthy meals each evening for her kids. Her leg of lamb was to die for, along with her lasagna. She made delicious oyster stew and even lobster on occasion. She knew how to make perfectly flaky pie crust and would treat her kids to some fine desserts; lemon meringue, chocolate cream, and strawberry rhubarb to name a few. Her daughter Melissa remembers Mom’s one of kind chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fudge. Jane had a green thumb and spent countless hours tending her flower and vegetable gardens while relishing the beauty around her.

Jane valued her relationships with her parents and siblings. She made a point to get together with her brother Emil and sister Suzanne regularly. Her dad, Papa, was a godsend by calling, visiting, and making sure Jane and her kids were okay. Jane spoke fondly of her mom, Mama Sue. In their later years,Jane’s brother Emil called every night at 7 pm to check on her before Jeopardy came on TV. Mom loved talking on the phone to her sister Suzanne and brother-in-law Stacy in Pennsylvania.

Jane was extremely witty and well read. She read the New York Times from front to back and completed the included crossword puzzle every day. Her vast knowledge and vocabulary made her a great conversationalist. She adored people from all walks of life and wasn’t afraid to start up a conversation with individuals she just met. She could hold her own with the judges she worked with at the courthouse and then patiently converse with folks she befriended while sitting on the bench outside the Skaneateles Bakery. Her grandchildren especially enjoyed sitting with her on her bench (Granny’s bench) while she greeted friends and acquaintances who walked by, along with any doggies. Her granddaughter Rebecca fondly remembers sitting with Granny on the bench sporting matching green t-shirts and looking out for “Mr. Right”.

At a very young age, Jane learned to knit. After that, there was no going back. If she wasn’t reading a book or newspaper, she was knitting a blanket, hat, scarf, or mittens. But anyone who really knew Jane knew her sweaters were her true prizes. At Christmas, everyone was blessed with a new knitted sweater. Over her lifetime, Jane made enough sweaters to keep all of Syracuse warm! If you admired the sweater she was wearing, she would take it off and give it to you. In her later years, she’d invite guests to check out her closet of new sweaters and choose one to take home.

Jane faithfully attended each and every one of her high school reunions and thoroughly enjoyed the company of old friends. She was a devoted pen pal with her many old school pals, correspondence which never halted. Through the years, they exchanged Christmas cards that included volume long precious letters. Jane was also a devoted pen pal to her granddaughter, Rebecca, and Granny’s letters were always stuffed with articles and comics clipped from the newspaper. If you dropped her a line, she quickly replied and posted it that day. She also made it to every Friday evening band concert held at the Skaneateles gazebo and, knowing all the songs, sang her heart out along with the band. Jane held an expert hand at bridge and played the game with friends at her home and theirs.

Mom said in her later years “growing old ain’t for sissies”. She loved malapropisms, limericks, and was keen on laughter. And Mom (Granny), if you’re listening we really hope you’re now pursuing your dream jobs as a hand model and lounge singer!!

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 14th from 4 pm to 6 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 11 am at The Skaneateles United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SAVES or the Skaneateles Fire Department.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com