Jane J. Swancott

Boonville – Jane J. Swancott, 94, of Woodgate Drive, widow of Jack, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Wynn Hospital, Utica.

She was born on August 31, 1932 at her grandmother’s home on the Hines Road in the Town of Leyden, NY, a daughter of the late Ray and Ruth Hines Jenks.

She was united in marriage with Jack Swancott on March 5, 1955 at the Methodist Church in Little Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Holmes officiating, who was a former pastor in Boonville. Six people were at the wedding, Jane and Jack, Rev. Holmes and his wife and special friends Cheri and Bob Failing. Jack passed away on January 13, 2024, two months shy of their 69th anniversary.

On July 6, 1946 she was involved in a very serious farm accident on the Lewis Road in Boonville. She spent two months at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Utica. Father Kelly, a visiting priest, held a 14th birthday party for her at the hospital. He also had an article published in the Utica paper regarding the accident and the party. She went back to school in January and was able to then graduate with her class in 1950 from Boonville High School.

Jane spent her entire life in the Boonville area and held various jobs over the years. During her last three years of school, she worked for Harold and Doris Fitch in their variety store on the corner of Post and Schuyler Street. She sold popcorn on Saturday nights when the band played. She also helped Harold in his food tent on the Ohm gas station corner during the fairs. After graduation, she received her state license for testing milk for butter fat content and bacteria. She then worked with Jean Goodhines Gleasman in the lab at Sheffield Farms in Boonville for four years. During that time, she had three “winter” apartments in town, Pickard’s, Forand’s, and above Halls clothing store. She had those apartments in town so she’d be able to make it to work during the harsh winters back then. When Sheffield’s closed, they wanted their employees to go to Elmira to work for them. When she told her then fiancé Jack Swancott what they wanted, he said no, lets get married now. When her three children were all in school, she went to work for Moonan’s Family Shoe Store where she worked for over 22 years. After retiring, she worked at Adirondack Central School as a substitute in the lunch room, library, study halls, or wherever she was needed. Jane was very active in the Boonville Methodist Church. She was president of the UMW for five years and chaired various other groups. With the help of friends Marleen Capron and Gerry Fulmer, they worked on many church suppers, as well as working at the church food booth each summer at the fair.

During her free time, she enjoyed camping, playing cards, reading, spending time with friends, embroidering, crocheting, and making afghans for every member of her family and several others. She was also known for making delicious pies.

Surviving are one son and daughter, Daniel (Sarah) Swancott, Ava, NY, and Crystal (Jim) Ringwald, Ava, NY, 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and ex-daughter-in-law Susan (Swancott) Hoke, Utica, NY. She was predeceased by their dear son, Jason Swancott in 2016, and her beloved husband Jack in 2024, brothers Clinton “Jim” Jenks, Harry Jenks, and Robert Jenks. Jane was the last surviving member of the Jenks family of her generation.

Jane’s family would like to thank Roxanne Botsford for the wonderful care and companionship she provided to Jane.

In keeping with Jane’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend graveside services for both Jane and her husband Jack on Wed. November 11, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Evergreen Cemetery, Town of Lee, with Rev. Jack Ford officiating. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.