Obituary of Jane H. Wendel

Few have balanced family and public service as well as Jane H. Wendel. After suffering from cancer, she died on January 24, 2023, in Syracuse, New York. Marjorie Jane Harry was born on December 26, 1932, in Flint, Michigan, and raised in nearby Flushing. Her father, Gordon, was an automotive engineer for General Motors. Her mother, Mildred (Bryan), was a teacher. Jane graduated from Flushing High School in 1951 and went on to the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in Design in 1955. While at Ann Arbor, she also met Peter Wendel and they married on April 2, 1955. After Peter served in the U.S. Navy, they moved to Lockport, New York in 1957. A familiar face in Western New York service circles, Jane served as president and board member for the Zonta Club of Lockport, was past president of the Lockport Concert Association and served on the board of directors for the Lockport Senior Citizen’s Center. In addition, Jane was a member of Lockport Junior Service League, Kenan Center Arts Council, Girl Scouts of Niagara County, Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst and the Cornell Family Study Club. An advocate for women’s and civil rights, she also worked with Planned Parenthood, Wyndham Lawn Home, and was a Board Member of the Royalton-Hartland Central School District. Despite her unassuming nature, Jane didn’t back down from a challenge. When her son Eric was diagnosed with leukemia, she learned how blood donations and new procedures were revolutionizing that field of medicine. “In taking on childhood cancer, we needed doctors, nurses and family to be in it together,” said Dr. Lucius Sinks, who was chief of pediatrics at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. “She was a part of our team.” Throughout the years, Jane owned gift stores in Lockport, Olcott and northern Michigan. The art world was always a major part of her life. Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Peter K. Wendel. She is survived by a brother G. Bryan Harry, and her children: Tim Wendel (Jacqueline Salmon), Susan Och (Richard), Chris Wendel (Janie McNabb), Bryan Wendel (Wendy Scinta) and Amy Foster (Jeff). Her son Eric died of leukemia in 1973. In addition, Jane is survived by 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A memorial service will be scheduled for later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Zonta Club of Lockport or the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Condolences may be offered to the family at langefuneralhomeinc.com.