Jane Jones Fulton

Jane Jones Fulton

May 5, 1934 -  March 1, 2023

Perhaps because she was born on Cinco de Mayo, Jane Jones embodied a festive spirit and zest for life that brought joy to others. Jane, adored by her mother who worked in public education, attended Liberty Elementary in Shadyside and her 1951 Peabody High School class set her off to do well at the University of Pittsburgh where she graduated cum laude, was a lecturer at Pitt’s nationality rooms, joined Tri Delta sorority and made lifelong friendships.

Jane was devoted to youth education. She taught at Fort Pitt school, served as a day care director and was a pioneer in improving educational opportunities for underserved youth. She served as president of the board at Louise Childcare Center and was recruited as the development director. Jane’s talents in writing grants raised over a million dollars that supported quality education and care. Jane organized creative fundraisers, including two police escorted 5k roller blade skates around Downtown. She never took herself too seriously - once dressing up as Purple Panda when joining Mister Rogers at a community event.

An active volunteer, Jane was an Elder, taught Sunday school and wrote the children’s newsletter at Third Presbyterian. Jane was a member of the Junior League in Pittsburgh where she trained new members, worked on large charitable efforts and was part of a select team that traveled to Ohio to share ideas with Jack’s wife Barbara Nicklaus. Jane was also an active member of Fox Chapel Racquet Club and Hilton Head Country Club and was thrilled when she hit a hole in one in Hilton Head.

The love of Jane’s life for over 66 years was her husband Pete who she first met while in high school. Jane said that the snowy winter storm on their 1956 wedding “added to the excitement of the season and filled the air with romance”. Mainz, Germany where Pete was stationed in the army provided an exciting place to start their married life together where Jane loved learning to make lebkuchen. Afterwards, they settled back in Pittsburgh and enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing in Vail and Aspen and the symphony. Jane enjoyed travels abroad in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Scotland, Wales, England and throughout Europe; Hilton Head was a favorite place where she enjoyed the beach. Gardening was another shared activity, flowers and plants flourished under Jane’s care and many evenings were spent relaxing on the deck among their flowers. Using the china they purchased together in Germany, Jane reveled in hosting family gatherings; her delight in these celebrations was infectious. Jane was energized by her interactions with others. She was the glue that bound people together --- relatives from her mother’s family in Brockport, PA, former classmates from Peabody, her Highland Park bridge group, supper club friends of 50 years, and former co-workers.

Jane cherished her four children, and created many special memories - making actual Green Eggs and Ham after reading the book, sewing Halloween costumes, disguising raw spinach as "exotic greens" to persuade the kids to eat it, and concocting a special Mother’s Christmas Eve drink. Her children and grandchildren are forever grateful for Jane’s involvement in their lives ---creating fun, listening, providing wise counsel and making them feel supported and special.

Despite a stroke in her later years that robbed her ability to communicate, Jane epitomized her motto of “It’s not how you fall down, it’s how you get up.” Her resiliency and strength continue to inspire.

Our beloved Jane will be dearly missed. Her family is so grateful for her many gifts and that her legacy of joy endures. 

She is survived by her husband Pete and their children Sara Majetich, Henry (Siobhan), Benton (Patricia), Sam (Chris) and grandchildren Kaley (Sharath Patil), Connor, Bronwyn, Will, Aidan and Isabel.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10th, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home 100 Center Avenue, Aspinwall.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Third Presbyterian Church, 5701 Fifth Ave., Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

In lieu of flowers, please support Cooper Siegel Community Library or Presbyterian Women of Third Presbyterian Church.

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