Jane Marie Lehman

Jane Marie Lehman, age 92, of Goshen, IN and Castorland, New York, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen, IN.

Born on November 10, 1932, Jane dedicated many years to her profession as an elementary education teacher specializing in educating kindergarten children. Jane adored her students and her beloved teddy bears. She was a 1954 graduate of Goshen College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  Upon receiving her degree, she taught for one year in West Leyden, New York then returned to, the school she attended as a child, and taught the rest her career or 38 years at The Lowville Academy Central School before retiring and moving to Goshen in 1994.  Jane was very active at New Bremen 1st Mennonite Church in New York and Waterford Mennonite Church in Goshen. She was known to be an “excellent” teacher and when the students she taught grew up, and had children of their own, they would request that their child be placed in her class.  She treasured being creative in her classroom and would often bring in eggs so the children could watch them hatch into chicks. She was also acknowledged for her “perfectly elegant” handwriting and known for having developed the Jane M. Lehman Scholarship for Elementary Education at Goshen College.  She also loved to travel with her family. Her favorite trips were with family to Europe, China, India, Alaska and Hawaii. She also attended the World Mennonite Conference in Calcutta, India with family members. After the conference the family then toured together to other parts of India with Jim.

Jane is lovingly remembered by sisters and brothers Bernice Hostetler of North Newton, Kansas, Lyle Lehman of Rochester, New York, Dolores Wedel of North Newton, Kansas, Jim Lehman of Goshen, IN, Gary (Alice) Lehman of Goshen, IN. Her life was also enriched by many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces & nephews and great-great nieces & nephews. Every year she would send her nieces and nephews hand written birthday cards.

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Samuel H. and Clara (Kennel) Lehman; sisters and brothers: Ilene (Jack) Adams; Ralph (Evelyn) Lehman, Ken (Lucy) Lehman, Walt (Donna Jean) Lehman, Curt (Janice) Lehman, Claramae (Charlie) Klink, and Clark Lehman, sisters-in-law Margaret and Betsy Lehman, and brothers-in-law Dewey Hostetler and Arnold Wedel.

Her memory will forever hold a place in the hearts of her students, her friends and especially her loving family.

A memorial service will be held in New York at a later date.

In memory of Jane, donations may be made to Bethany Christian Schools and The Goshen College Jane M. Lehman Scholarship fund.