Jane

Marone

Jane Pauline (Sterling) Marone

January 1, 1946 – November 13, 2026

Jane Pauline Marone, 80, of Lancaster, New York, passed away peacefully at home on November 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of deep faith, Jane entered eternal life with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in the comfort of her home, just as she had wished.

Jane was born on January 1, 1946, at DeGraff Memorial Hospital in North Tonawanda, New York, to William and Aletha Sterling. She grew up alongside her sisters, Sandra and Diane, and graduated from Batavia High School in 1963.

Jane's lifelong love story with her husband, John, began in 1959, when the two young bandmates went on their first date to Crystal Beach. Married in 1965, they shared 61 wonderful years together, raising two sons, Jim and Jeff, and building a life filled with faith, family, friendship, and adventure.

Jane graduated from the Millard Fillmore Hospital School of Nursing in 1966 and also earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University at Buffalo. She began her nursing career at Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia and later worked at a migrant daycare center in the area. After dedicating time to raising her family, Jane returned to nursing in the Depew schools, retiring from the elementary school in 1998. Her compassion and generosity extended well beyond her profession, touching the lives of family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Despite facing significant health challenges for much of her adult life, Jane embraced life with remarkable energy, determination, and enthusiasm. She and John shared a love of travel, exploring the world together through family camping adventures and extended journeys across North America, Europe, the South Pacific, and beyond. For more than two decades, Jane and John shared a love of dancing, which brought them tremendous joy, lasting friendships, and a wonderful sense of community. Jane also loved gathering with family and friends, and her famous sharp macaroni and cheese, a treasured Sterling family recipe, was always a favorite.

Described by family and friends as caring, determined, energetic, generous, kind, positive, and resilient, Jane will be remembered for her warm smile, thoughtful nature, and the love she shared so freely.

Above all, Jane treasured her faith and family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, John; her sons, Jim Marone and his partner, Lori DePoint, and Jeff Marone and his wife, Nancy; her grandsons, Matthew and Samuel; her great-granddaughter, Kataleya; and her sisters, Sandra Weiler and Diane Burroughs. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Aletha Sterling.

A celebration of Jane's life and faith will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 67 Litchfield Avenue, Depew, New York, with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. and a church service at 2:30 p.m.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Buffalo Hospice for its compassionate care and to the many friends and loved ones who offered prayers, encouragement, and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, or Sjögren's Foundation.

Arrangements by Wendel & Loecher Funeral Home, Lancaster, New York.  Share condolences at wendelandloecherinc.com

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." — Psalm 118:24