Obituary of Jane A. Somnitz

Jane A. Somnitz, age 78, formerly a resident of over 50 years of Avenue A in Melrose, peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by and in the loving comfort and care of her family on Monday, August 20, 2018.

Born in Euclid, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late David and Ursula Burke Whittaker and was a graduate of Regina High School in South Euclid, OH. Jane was the beloved wife of George J. Somnitz, whom she married on August 12, 1957. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary with their family and were serenaded by friends and Irish folk group and singers trio, Triskele (with whom she toured Ireland in 2012).

Mrs. Somnitz retired from a dedicated career of over 30 years with the Hoosic Valley Central School district in Schaghticoke. She began as a substitute teacher and was then the Secretary for the Guidance Office until retiring in 2016.

Active with her family and in her community, she was a 4-H leader for many years and served as a 4-H Judge at the Schaghticoke Fair. She was a 2nd grade Catholic Ed. Teacher at the former Our Lady of Good Counsel (presently Transfiguration Parish) in Valley Falls. Along with her husband, George, they served as Co-Treasurers for both the Speiglaires and Avant Garde Drum & Bugle Corps. For many years, they were avid fans of the Hoosic Valley Girls & Boys Basketball teams. For almost 50 years, Jane was a communicant of Transfiguration Parish in Schaghticoke & Speigletown and more recently, Holy Spirit in East Greenbush.

Devoted mother of Robert (Lisa) Somnitz of Cottage Grove, OR, Stephen (Kathrine) Somnitz of Eugene, OR, Kathleen (Dr. Michael) Gallichio of East Greenbush, Jennifer Caim of Bloomington, IL, John Somnitz of Ballston Lake, and like-a-son, Scott Harrison of Ballston Spa. She was beloved sister of David "John" (Matalie) Whittaker of Mentor, OH; sister-in-law of Sue Marie Somnitz of Lyndhurst, OH and William Somnitz of Kirtland, OH, who served as maid of honor and best man at her wedding. Jane was cherished grandmother of Nicholas (Helena) and Geoffrey Somnitz; Nathan, Christopher, Kelsey and Shaw Somnitz; Alexandra Jane and Evelyn Caim; and Ronan Somnitz. Adoring great grandmother of Cecilia Somnitz. Survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She was joyed to know of the impending arrival of her second great granddaughter in February 2019 who will also have the middle name, Jane, in her great grandmother’s honor. Jane’s family would like to thank all the staff at Clifton Park NYOH for their care and support over many years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Transfiguration Parish (formerly St. Bonaventure’s Parish), 50 Hillview Drive (in Speigletown), Troy, NY 12182.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Church on Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The recitation of the Rosary will be at 4 pm.

Interment will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jane A. Somnitz Memorial Scholarship, C/O HVCS, 2 Pleasant Avenue, Schaghticoke, NY 12154

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the White-Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 58 Leversee Rd. (RT-40 in Speigletown), Troy, New York 12182. Phone (518) 235-0952.

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