Jane Handley Dow

Jane Handley Dow 94, of West Hartford died Saturday March 17, 2012 in West Hartford. Born November 16, 1917 to Ben Moore Handley and Mary Will Chewning in Roanoke, Alabama, Jane lived in West Hartford for fifty-two years. She is survived by her husband of sixty-seven years, Leslie McKean Dow, and four devoted children, Diane and John Cox of New York City, Leslie (Buzz) and Connie Dow of Cincinnati, Ohio, Donald and Sally Dow of Avon, Connecticut, and Marilee and Robert Neff of Bloomfield Village, Michigan. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. After graduating from Auburn University, Jane enlisted in the U.S. Navy and graduated with the first officers' WAVE class at Smith College in 1942. During World War II, she served at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi for three years and retired in 1945 with the rank of Lieutenant junior grade. It was at the end of her tour of duty with the Navy that she met and married Les. While Les served with the Marine Corps overseas, she returned to her hometown of Roanoke to teach school. In 1946, Les retired from active duty and Jane and Les moved to San Francisco, where all four children were born. In 1960, the family moved to West Hartford where Jane and Les have resided ever since. Jane was proud to be an "at home Mom" and a devoted wife to Les; her top priority and constant focus was family. Despite living over fifty years in New England, she never lost her Alabama accent and cherished her southern heritage. She was affectionately known as "Bama" to her grandchildren with whom she shared her culinary talents and her southern expressions. In addition to being loved by her family, she had many friends who were enriched by her company. Throughout the years, Jane was an active volunteer with the YMCA Auxiliary, Hartford Hospital Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels. She was also a member of the West Hartford Garden Club, the Town and County Club, and was a member of the First Congregational Church of West Hartford for fifty-two years. A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford on Saturday, April 7th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church in her memory. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements. For online directions and condolences please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com

Jane Handley Dow

March 17, 1918 - March 17, 2012