Jane Gershaw

Post a Message of Sympathy | View Messages of Sympathy | Printer Friendly


Jane Gershaw, 72, of DeWitt, died on Friday, February 23, 2018 after a struggle with cancer and a longer battle against multiple sclerosis. She was born June 6, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Frank and Pearl Gershaw.

Jane was a graduate of Lincoln High school in Brooklyn, and Douglas College. She earned her Ph.D. in psychology from SU and was a clinical psychologist with the VA Hospital in Syracuse for over twenty years.

In addition to being a clinical psychologist, working mainly with veterans, she used her talents to make the world a better place to live in. A successful author, she co-wrote books and other materials on structured learning exercises which helped people develop pro-social skills. Jane also wrote many articles on multiple sclerosis, disability issues, and voting rights. She was always an activist for progressive causes focusing on disability issues, voter registration, voter rights, and was an active participant in the DeWitt Democratic Party. A long-time member of the Central New York Psychological Association, she was instrumental, along with others on the Program Committee, early on in helping to revive CNYPA.

Jane was a loving mom and grandma providing endless love and support to her children and grandchildren. She also possessed a crackling wit and a dry sense of humor. She loved to read and play board games with her grandchildren and, along with her husband, went on long walks with them exploring the harbor area next to her New Haven home.

Surviving are her husband of over forty years, James E. Stacey, who fought along her side for so long against MS; daughter Elizabeth “Libby” P. (Mark) Abraham of New Haven; son Timothy Ephraim (Kathryn Edwards) Stacey of Washington, DC; grandchildren Almanzo N., Mordecai H., and Samuel R. Abraham; brother and sister-in-law Steven and Esin Gershaw; and many other loving friends and relatives.

A celebration of her life will be at noon this Sunday, February 25 at her home. Shiva, visitation, will continue following the service until 7PM. Friends may also visit at the family home Monday through Wednesday from 4-7PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or to Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York. And, in her honor, please vote and work to register people to vote. www.sisskindfuneralservice.com