Mary Jane (Esposito) Spanfelner

Mary Jane “Jane” (Esposito) Spanfelner, 89, of Boulder, CO, passed into eternal life, surrounded by her three children, on Friday, April 12, at the Swedish Medical Center in Colorado. Born April 13, 1934, in Utica, to the late Nuncio and Genevieve Esposito, she graduated from Proctor High School. Her thirst for knowledge led her to St. Luke's Memorial Hospital School of Medical Technology, where she honed her skills as a medical technologist, and Utica College of Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Combined Sciences. 

As one of only two women in the postsecondary program for science at the time, Jane was recognized for her academic excellence, affiliating with prestigious organizations such as Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and Chi Beta Sigma Sorority. She also took pride in being the women’s basketball free throw champion and holding leading roles in school plays. 

Jane’s lifelong career as a medical technologist at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital in Syracuse exemplified her unwavering dedication to others’ well-being. Her work ethic and compassion touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues, leaving a lasting legacy in the medical community.

Jane’s faith in God was paramount as a communicant of Holy Family Church, volunteering for the church’s food pantry and serving as an Eucharistic minister. She also enjoyed the Syracuse Garden Club and playing golf, piano, and bridge.

Jane was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Lynn Thomas Spanfelner; parents, Nuncio and Genevieve Esposito; and brother, Captain James A. (Joan) Esposito USCG (ret.). 

Surviving are her children, David Spanfelner, Scott (Laura) Spanfelner, and Kristen Davidson; beloved grandchildren, Hannah (Ryan) Simeone, Madison, Sydney, and Jackson Spanfelner, and Eva and Autumn Davidson; great-grandchild, Luke Simeone; in-laws, Barbara Schellman and Eric Davidson; and 16 nieces and nephews, including godchildren, Arnold Esposito and Julie Spanfelner.

To celebrate Jane’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr, Syracuse. 

Mary Jane will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt, following the funeral Mass.