Obituary of Jane McClenathan Schenck

Jane McClenathan Schenck, most recently of Village Heights, 94 years old, died on January 18, 2019 at Wynwood House. She is survived by her loving husband, George, and her children, Hal, of Ames, Iowa, and Sarah, of Brooklyn, New York, and five grandchildren Alexander, Michael, Aurora, Elizabeth, and Isis.

Jane grew up in Washington, Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh, daughter of James McClenathan, a farm boy turned accountant who was the first in his family to attend college, and Emma Hoy, a town girl whose mother owned and drove one of the first cars in the area, and sister to Louise, as well as Edward (deceased) and Dolly (deceased).

She graduated from Wilson College and worked as an executive secretary and translator for U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh for many years. During the Second World War, Jane worked part-time in a munitions factory assembling hand grenades.

In the 1940's, shortly after the Second World War, Jane became the rare woman to travel on her own in South America and the Middle East, in part through her work with U.S. Steel, but also, simply as an adventurer (and was written up in her local newspaper). She invited her father to accompany her on one trip to Europe, enabling him to realize one of his lifelong dreams.

In May, 1962, Jane married George Schenck, after which she focused her prodigious energies on homemaking and child rearing. Jane was a voracious reader and wonderful story teller, and conveyed this love to her children, along with her passion for travel and new experiences.

Jane was a community spirited person – a member of the State College Presbyterian Church, Faculty Women's Club, French Club and German Club, and sponsored a family of immigrants to become American citizens.

She was much loved and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Donations in Jane's honor may be made to Centre Volunteers in Medicine, 2520 Green Tech Drive, Suite D, State College, PA 16803.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 4:00p.m. at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W Beaver Ave, State College, with Reverend Dean Lindsey officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.