Jane Colwell Alley, 75, of Walpole, passed away Dec. 14 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta.
Jane was born Dec. 3, 1935 in Ellsworth. She grew up in Hancock and graduated from Ellsworth High School. She attended Springfield College and Temple University, graduating with a degree in dental hygiene. Jane worked for the State of Maine as a dental hygienist, traveling the state and providing dental services to children before accepting a job with Dr. Claus F. Hinck in Damariscotta and later Dr. Harry T. Quick in Wiscasset. In 1968, she married her husband, Lewis C. Alley of South Bristol They were married 35 years. A few years after retiring from Dr. Quick’s office, Jane accepted a part time job at Hannaford in Damariscotta where she greatly enjoyed the interaction with customers and colleagues alike. She always had a smile and a friendly hello for everyone.
Jane was an active member and tireless volunteer of the Union Church in South Bristol. She was a Girl Scout leader and a Sunday school teacher with an inquisitive mind. Those who met her quickly learned of her curiosity and interest in getting to know them. She was an energetic volunteer and was especially sympathetic to those in need. She was the first to show up with a meal or to offer assistance when others needed help.
Throughout her life, Jane enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes. She loved quilting, swimming and as a lobsterman’s wife, she loved nothing better than being out on the water. She participated in developing cookbooks with other wives of lobstermen. She could organize and put on a clambake like no one else. Jane loved surprising others with gifts. She gleefully played Mrs. Claus to Lew’s Santa for years, going from house to house surprising the children with gifts. Jane enjoyed her quilting circle and her swimming group. She made it a priority to get together with her precious friends every chance she had.
Jane was predeceased by her husband, Lewis C. Alley; parents, Arthur and Margaret Colwell; and half-brother, Deane Colwell.
Jane is survived by son, Gary Alley and wife Pam of Houston, Tex.; stepsons, Roland Alley and wife Stacy of Kingwood, Tex. and Tim Alley and wife Mona of Walpole; stepdaughter, Tina Alley and husband Sam Jones of South Bristol; grandchildren, Eric Alley of Natchitoches, La., Megan Lloyd of Houston, Tex., Luke Alley and Sarah Alley of Walpole, and Truman Alley and Jenna Alley, of Kingwood, Tex.; brother, Michael Colwell and wife Martha of Plainville, Mass; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial service honoring Jane’s life 2 p.m., Wed., Dec. 29 at Union Church, South Bristol, and will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. Peggy Wolfe Dunn and the Rev. Dr. David Hester.
Memorial donations may be made to Union Church, P.O. Box 59, South Bristol, ME 04568.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
