Batavia - Margaret Jane Kauffman, 89, passed from this life on October 29, 2024, at Crossroads House in Batavia.
Jane was born September 2, 1935, to Loretta (Garraghan) and Edward Kauffman. She was graduated from Batavia High School and Buffalo State and earned an M.A. at Canisius College before embarking upon a 42-year career in education, first as an English teacher at Kenmore and primarily as a guidance counselor at Williamsville North High School.
Jane served for many years on the board of directors of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Buffalo and Erie County United Way. Her many honors included the Buffalo AFL-CIO Labor Council “Labor Leader of the Year” and the “Living Legacy” award from the Women’s Rights Committee of the American Federation of Teachers. She was also a delegate to the 1992 and 1996 Democratic National Conventions.
As a young girl, Jane liked to write, sing, and hang out at Batavia Clippers baseball games. In her adulthood, Jane enjoyed horse racing, talking politics (civilly!), and splitting her time between Buffalo and Batavia. She was a generous aunt who taught her nephews how to write letters and play golf.
Jane was predeceased by her parents; her longtime companion, William Kelty; and a niece, Susan Kauffman. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Sandra Kauffman; nephews, Bill (Lucine) Kauffman and Mike (Cathy) Kauffman; great-nephews, Christopher and Kyle Kauffman; and great-niece, Gretel (Mark Dee) Kauffman.
Jane will be interred next to her parents at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia in a private ceremony.
Jane’s family thanks the angels at Crossroads House, who provided care and comfort in her final days. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or by clicking here.
Arrangements for Jane were entrusted to the care of Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
