Jane Beverly Downey-Roesch

Jane Beverly (Wittlinger) Downey-Roesch, of Akron, New York entered into rest on April 30, 2025.  Born on January 30, 1931, in Clarence, New York, she was 94 years old.

She was an avid collector of Shirley Temple memorabilia and for many years played bass drum in the Akron Community Band and Corfu-Pembroke Band.

An accomplished organist, she played for Clarence Center UMC, Hunts Corners Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Akron at various times over 80 years.

During her career Jane taught at Akron Central Elementary, Pembroke Central, Genesee Community College and served as Resource Librarian for the former Western New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

She is Mother of Marilyn (late Ken) Kasperek, Janice (John) Walters, Karen (late Arthur) Reigle-Scheitheir, all of Akron, New York; Grandmother of Karlyn (Michael) Backus, the late Rebekah Owens, Alison (Justin) Allaman, Corey (Emily) Reigle, Rachel (David) Fisher, Sarah (Christopher) Roth, Jason (Amy) Reigle, Joseph (Leanne) Walters, Susan (Jason Hake) Mest, and Jonathan (Meaghan) Walters; great grandmother of 35 and great great grandmother of 2.

Sister of Arlan (Janice) Wittlinger of Clarence, NY and Carolee (Charlie) Alexander of Folly Beach, South Carolina.  Also survived by a niece and three nephews, as well as several great nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Roger Downey and Clair Roesch and parents Roy and Marie (Renee) Wittlinger.

Calling Hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4 at the First Baptist Church of Akron, Main Street, Akron, with a service immediately following.  Burial will be in Pioneer Cemetery, Hunts Corners Road, Akron at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to First Baptist Church of Akron or Akron Community Band.  Arrangements completed by the Ross Funeral Home.

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