SPRINGFIELD – Jill Maney passed away on Saturday, July 10 in Springfield, with Jonathan Maney, her loving husband of 33 years, at her side. She is also survived by her parents, James and Dora Stauffer, her brother, Donald Stauffer, sister-in-law, Fiona Stauffer, and nephew and niece, Henry and Margot Stauffer, all of Rochester, New York.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Jill graduated from Amherst College summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a Master's Degree in English at the University of Utah and a Ph.D. In English at the University of Rochester. She taught at a variety of schools, including Keuka College, Finger Lakes Community College, and SUNY Cobleskill. She also received a postdoctoral fellowship to teach at Cornell University.
In addition to her educational achievements, Jill was an avid textile historian and collector. In 2004 she came to Cherry Valley to work as business manager for Rabbit Goody at Thistle Hill Weavers. She then accepted a position as Individual Giving Manager & Development Writer at Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, Cooperstown. Her most recent position was Director of Development at Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, Utica, New York. She loved each of these jobs and the wonderful people she met through them.
Her community work included serving as vice-president of the Glimmerglass Opera Guild and volunteering at Hyde Hall's numerous events and galas.
Known for her exceptional intelligence, poise, and grace, Jill will be sorely missed by her many friends in the worlds of art, antiques, fundraising, and historic textiles. She was also an accomplished poet with many publications and recently completed a biography of Mercy Otis Warren, an American Revolutionary War period playwright, poet, and historian. In addition, Jill at various times in her life was a dedicated runner, skater, and ballerina. A person of many parts, she will be remembered as someone whose kindness was apparent to all.
Gifts in her memory may be given to Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, and/or Hyde Hall, Inc. A memorial celebration of Jill's life will be announced at the convenience of her family.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
