Obituary of Jane Ellen Golas

"Jane Ellen (Woodcock) Golas, born August 1, 1925 in Springfield Ma, passed away January 20, 2009 at the Mary Lyon Nursing Home of Hampden, Ma. She was the daughter of Everett & Adelaide (Weber) of Springfield, widow of attorney Frank P. Golas (deceased October 28, 1981), married October 9, 1948 in Springfield, and resided on Longview Street in Palmer for 60 years. She had three sons, Jeffery Paul (deceased August 5, 1997) and wife Holly (Lizak) of Grapevine, Texas, Michael Francis of Santa Rosa, Cali., Stephen Everett and wife Nancy (MacGregor) of Bondsville, Ma. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Andrew Michael and Amy Jane of Bondsville, Nathan and Lacey of Texas, and Amber Lee of Utah. She leaves her brother Fred Woodcock of N. Dighton, Ma., and their children Carolyn & Fred Eliason of New Jersey, Fred Jr. & Denise of N. Dighton, Ma., and Linda & Dan Rowan of New Jersey, and Bruce & Brenda of N. Dighton, Ma. She also leaves numerous nephews and nieces. Jane Golas graduated Classical High School in 1942 and went onto nursing school, from which she graduated in 1946. Her loves included photography, gardening, birding, and hiking. She would spend her springs in the greenhouse and her summers in Santa Rosa. Jane was an active founding member of Operation Friendship in Palmer. She was a lifelong member of the Second Congregational Church of Palmer. She served as a deaconess and a treasurer of the Church Counsel and was also a member of the Woman's Fellowship. Jane is recognized as the Town of Palmer Historian to its inhabitants both past and present. She was a tireless researcher and authority on town history. Her work has been donated to the Palmer Public Library. She was the author of "The History of Three Rivers, and also contributed to the book The Town of Seven Railroads. She did extensive research for artist Jacob Knight's historic depiction of Palmer. Jane served as a founding member and past chairwoman of the town of Palmer's Conservation Commission. She helped formulate the master plan that identifies protected land in Palmer. Jane was also a frequently requested presenter to local schools and organizations. She enjoyed 35 years as a member of the Tuesday Club, which she cherished dearly. She leaves a long legacy of selfless service to her town, and many dear friends and family who loved her. Anyone could confidently approach her for assistance with a history matter, and she was always ready and willing to help. Jane was always striving to learn more, and willing to share her wealth of knowledge and love. She was gracious to the end. Calling hours will be 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday January 25, 2009 concluding with a remembrance at Beers & Story Funeral Home, 1475 N.Main St. Palmer, MA 01069. Memorial contributions may be made to The Palmer Public Library, 1455 N.Main St., Palmer, MA 01069. "