Jane C. Olesiuk passed away peacefully in her residence of the past 68 years on Palm Sunday March 28, 2021 at the age of 101. She was born on July 25, 1919 in Dunkirk, NY, the youngest of her Italian immigrant parents’ (the late Sebastian and Bertha Cirrito) eight children. A favorite among her older siblings, Jane enjoyed playing with and learning from them as a child. An excellent student, she earned degrees from both Fredonia and Buffalo State colleges. Jane was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. She volunteered for many years long after her retirement from the Greece and Rochester School Districts. A strong proponent of the phonics method, Jane often proclaimed that there wasn’t a child born whom she couldn’t teach to read. Even to the end, as her caretakers (and sons!) would attest, one was only a double negative away from having his or her grammar gently corrected. Jane was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Metsie Anthony Olesiuk (at age 100). The two met at a square dance in Wellsville, NY where Jane was teaching and Metsie was working as a machinist in the post wartime years. They married in 1948. At Jane’s urging (insistence!), Metsie applied to over forty colleges (hampered but not disheartened by his lack of a h.s. diploma), and was accepted into the School of Engineering at the University of Iowa, which decided to take a chance on him. The couple’s two older sons were born in Iowa City, before moving to Rochester where Metsie enjoyed a lengthy career at Eastman Kodak and the couple’s two younger sons were born. After herding her four sons to school age, Jane returned to the classroom and taught children who had difficulty learning to read.

Jane enjoyed pastimes such as playing bridge, golfing, working crosswords, volunteer tutoring, dancing (in later years just listening to the old standards), as well as visiting with her children, the grands, and her many nieces and nephews throughout the country. She was honored by the Town of Irondequoit on her 100th birthday for her lengthy teaching career and civic-minded activities. In addition to her husband of 70 years, Jane was predeceased by her seven brothers and sisters. She is survived by her four sons: John (Sue), Dan, J. Stephen, and William (Karen). She was also blessed with five grandchildren whom she loved very much: Joshua (Jessica), William (Yingrui), Sarah (Marshall), Kelly (Charlie) and Christopher, as well as four great grandchildren (Charles, Eli, Micah, and Hazel Jane.) Sincere thanks is given to the nurses and aides whose loving care no doubt contributed to Jane’s longevity. Jane was a long-time member of St. Thomas parish in Irondequoit. She enjoyed a long and happy life in this world and looks forward to her rebirth in the next. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local hospice chapter.

Friends are welcome Wednesday, March 31st from 10am-12pm at the Dreier-Giltner Funeral Home, 1717 Portland Ave. where a Prayer Service will be held at 12pm (Eulogy given at 11:30) The livestream link is https://zoom.us/j/92808302926?pwd=SkwyNU9kdTVWd011U0RVZmREeHdQUT09 Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.