Jane Elizabeth Kimple Culligan

Culligan, Jane Elizabeth Kimple After 89 years and 10 months on this earth, the soul of Jane Elizabeth Kimple Culligan, beloved wife of 71 years of Donald James Culligan, departed for the next world on August 6, 2014. Born in Ithaca, NY on September 29, 1924 to Greta Sargent Kimple and Burl Kimple, Jane grew up on West Seneca Street and attended Ithaca City Schools, graduating from Ithaca High School in 1942. A favorite memory of her youth was when she, as a Girl Scout, was chosen to present flowers to Eleanor Roosevelt during one of the First Lady's annual visits to Cornell University's Farm and Home Week in the 1930's. Jane was the second eldest of five siblings; her brothers Burl and John predeceased her, whereas her sisters Betsy Kimple DeGregorio and Carolyn Kimple Capalongo survive her. Since 1956, Jane and Don have lived on South Hill where they raised five children: Thomas J. Culligan (Patrice; Amelia Island, FL), Nancy J. Culligan (Ithaca, NY), Mary Ann Culligan Pitzer (Brian; Ithaca, NY), Kathryn Culligan Simon (J. David Jones; Lexington, KY), and Paul G. Culligan (Michele, Troy, NY). One of Jane's greatest joys in retirement was baking cookies and spending time with her 13 grandchildren: Christa, Burke, and Brad Culligan; Joseph Yengo, Patricia Yengo Hohman, and Susanne Yengo; Scott, Brent (deceased), and Matthew Pitzer; Claire Eileen Simon; Michael, Colton, and Jake Culligan; Payton and Paige Yengo; Siena Culligan; Andrew Pitzer. Spending mornings and afternoons on the back porch with family members and friends gave Jane great pleasure. Gardening, travling, recording family genealogy, and viewing photographs were favorite pastimes. Jane's beautiful handwriting graced the many lovely cards and letters that she wrote to family and friends throughout her life. She and Don corresponded throughout the time Don served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific during World War II and she joined him in New Bern, NC when he was stationed at the Cherry Point Marine Base. Prior to her retirement, Jane worked as an administrative assistant at GLF, Cornell University's Department of Engineering, the Ithaca YMCA, and Oak Hill Manor. She was elected to the Ithaca City School Board in the 1970s, was active in the Tompkins County Democratic Party, worked at the polls during elections, and served as both president and treasurer of the Ithaca Women's Club. Jane's family is especially grateful to "Team Culligan" members Star, Becky, Tammi, Ericka and Debra, whose compassionate care enabled her and Don to stay together in their home of 58 years and enjoy a life of dignity and joy. The family also greatly appreciates the nursing staff on the 4th floor North of Cayuga Medical Center and at Hospicare who provided exceptional care during the last week of Jane's life. Services for Jane will be private with a memorial to be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Bangs Funeral Home will be assisting the family. -