Obituary of Jane Ekdahl Lydecker

Jane Ekdahl Lydecker, 96, of Oakland, NJ, passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 12, 2022. Born on May 25, 1925, in Buffalo, NY, she was the beloved daughter to Cora Babinger Ekdahl and Harry Gilton Ekdahl. Jane graduated from Lafayette High School in Buffalo, NY, in 1943. After the war, she went to the University of Buffalo, where she earned her BS in Science. Career-oriented and ambitious, she went on to work as a Statistical Technician at Niagara Mohawk Power Corp in Buffalo. It was there that she met the love of her life, Leigh. The two were married in 1955. Their union lasted 67 years, until they each passed within 18 hours of each other. When she was 37, Jane went back to school to fulfill her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She enrolled in a special program for mature women at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ, where she was an enthusiastic and dedicated student, who cared deeply for the wellbeing of patients. She graduated in 1970. For the next 21 years, Jane showed incredible kindness and grace to her many patients at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, in the ICU Step-Down Unit. A bright light in the hospital, her presence elevated those around her and was a beacon of hope to those who needed it. Jane was an avid traveler. Her favorite vacations with family and friends, were spent touring Europe; chartering sailboats in the Caribbean and BVI’s (with her favorite captain, Godsen); cruising through the United States and Prince Edward Islands in her Winnebago; and spending time at her summer home in the Adirondacks (known as “Deerland”). Her children and grandchildren gave Jane immense joy, and she made unforgettable memories with them. A warm and welcoming host, she enjoyed entertaining at her home of 56 years, with her finest cuisine. Each morning would find her, coffee in hand, reading the New York Times and the Bergen Record. Also a vibrant and active woman, Jane loved playing golf, tennis and swam into her early 90’s. After retirement, she took up knitting, creating unique pieces for those around her. Jane was a vital part of her local community, participating in an array of different activities. She was an active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, High Mountain Golf Club, Woman’s Club and the Republican Club. She was also on the board of Visiting Nurses, West Bergen Mental Health Care, Valley Hospital Auxiliary and the Christian Health Care. Jane’s legacy is one of love, and her good nature touched many in her lifetime. She will be greatly missed. Jane is survived by her sons, Leigh III of Wallkill, NY; Mark of Hackettstown, NJ; and daughter, Katharine (Edward) of Clifton Park, NY; six grandchildren, Alicia (Ben); Heather; Leigh IV (Lauren); Stacy: Mark and Karlee; two great grandsons, Isaiah and Silas; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leigh Jr.; parents, Cora and Harry; sister, Alberta (William); brothers and sisters in-laws, William; Gerrit (Brenda); Louise (William) and Katharine (Alfred). A Celebration of Life for Jane and her husband, Leigh, will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, NJ. The interment will be held at the Long Lake Cemetery in Long Lake, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Doctors Without Borders, USA, www.doctorswithoutborders.org or the Oakland First Aid Squad, www.oaklandfas.org