Honeoye: Lena Jane (Rowley) Cratsley passed peacefully on March 10th at the age of 86. She was predeceased by Alfred, her husband of 66 years, her parents Gilbert & Annabelle Rowley, brother Gilbert Rowley and her sister, Edna Ingerick. She is survived by her children, Bonnie Thayer, Bruce Cratsley, Betsy (Don) Shaw and Brian Cratsley, 6 grandchildren; Raphael, Adrian, Todd, Tammy, Benjamin & Emily, 6 great grandchildren, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Arthur & Priscilla Cratsley, brother-in-law Joseph Ingerick & several nieces & nephews.
Fondly known as Jane, she was born in Webster on February 9, 1932. At the age of 4, her parents moved back to Richmond on Reed Road where she grew up. At the age of 16 she met Al Cratsley at a dance in Hemlock, fell in love and married at the age of 18 on June 13, 1950.
Al & Jane were a team throughout their marriage. In the early years, they owned an excavation business – installing wells, driveways, septic systems & breakwalls all the around the area. After injuring his back, Al moved onto roofing and siding. Jane learned to measure and cut shingles & siding and helped Al do the installing. Then in 1965, they opened Cratsley Bait Farm. Jane stayed home and ran the business, selling live bait & tackle and renting boats. When age would no longer let them do the roofing/siding and bait business, they closed both and went on the road selling gourmet meats door to door for Anchors Away in the southern tier and northern Pennsylvania. Jane was the navigator, remembering where all their customers were located and keeping Al from getting lost. As age and health issues took over, they stayed home and Jane became Al’s caregiver while she battled her own issues. They would enjoy playing dominoes and other games and watching college basketball.
Jane had always wanted to be a nurse so when the Richmond Fire Dept opened their company to women, she joined and became a member of the ambulance squad. For 35 years, she and Al would drop everything and run out the door to a call. Jane was always proud that she had delivered a baby. She also was elected as treasurer and held the position for 37 years and 8 years for the exempt club.
Jane enjoyed deer hunting & fishing with Al and she was very good at both. She loved the outdoors and was always found working in her garden and flowerbeds or watching her kids and grandchildren play in the yard. Visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren were always the highlight of her day. Jane also loved to crochet and made over 30 sets of afghans/pillows and loved to crochet doilies. You could always find Jane in the kitchen baking delicious banana nut bread, kneading dough for rolls, or making a pot of soup. At harvest time she would be canning stewed tomatoes, making tomato soup, spaghetti sauce and yes of course, her famous cinnamon pickles.
Family & friends may call on Friday, March 23rd, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY where services will be held on Saturday, March 24th, at 11am. Private burial Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye. In memory of Jane, donations may be sent to the Richmond Fire Dept. Po Box 469 Honeoye, NY 14471. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Sad to hear that Jane has past away. So much of my young life was spent around Jane and Al and all the rest of the fire department “gang” that my parents were apart of and close friends with. I remember her fondly as a kind loving woman who would do anything she could to help you out. That is the legacy she left to all that knew her well. Rest in Peace Jane,
I am sad that we have lost aunt jane. I will always remember her trying to keep Uncle Al in line, calling him Alf if there was a little trouble but Alfred if there was more. Always loved the fireplace that covered the whole wall in the living room. I still have the Afghan she made me years ago.I will miss those pickles and my favorite dilly beans. My closest aunt is now gone but has gone on to be with her loved ones who left before her although I think she may have something to say to auncle Al for leaving her. Go walk with god
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cratsley family during this period of great loss.
Wishing you peace and sending your family prayers following the loss of your mother. Our mothers graduated together in 1949; there remains a lot history between their families… quite a testimony to their legacies as very special women in our lives.
Thoughts and prayers coming your way during this difficult time.
Marsha and Bill Fitzgerald
Bonnie & family,
I am so sorry for your loss! I have many fond memories of holidays with Aunt Jane. May you find comfort in each other during this difficult time. I am sending my love from NC.
I remember her well from the Bait Farm. We went over there nearly every day in the summer to stock up on candy! Sincere condolences to the family.