Jane S. Aldrich

Jane Stratton Aldrich of Florence, Montana, died October 26, 2020 at the age of 80. She was a beloved mother, aunt, sister, and friend, and died at home in the company of loved ones.

Jane was born in New York City, New York, in 1940 to Amy Durfee Aldrich and Hulbert Stratton Aldrich, preceded in birth three years by her sister Anne. She attended The Brearley School in New York City from 1946-1958 and Sweet Briar College in Virginia from 1958-1962. Jane spent her junior year studying in Paris, France, at the Institute d’Etudes Politiques. She graduated from Sweet Briar College with a degree in Modern European History.

A deep love of horses and the American West brought Jane to Montana. She also lived in California, Wyoming, and Arizona. Jane pursued varied vocational interests, including Director of Human Education at the Missoula humane society, and tour guide for Arizona Bound Jeep Tours. She was also well-known for her line of western leather clothing and accessories, which she designed and created. Jane was active in volunteer work for the Bitterroot Humane Society, Missoula’s Wildlife Film Festival and Jeannette Rankin Peace Center, and local pet spay and neuter clinics. She served on the local board of literacy volunteers, was a founding member of Footloose Montana, and served as secretary of the Florence Civic Club.

Jane dedicated her life to her family and friends and providing the best possible home to a lucky entourage of dogs, cats, horses, llamas and goats, including any stray that showed at her door. She was a gifted horsewoman and gardener, and loved flowers, knitting, cooking, walks with her beloved dogs, and visits to the ocean. Jane will be long-remembered for the depth of her kindness and generosity, her dignity and intellect, and as a loving mom, mentor, caregiver, and friend.

Jane is survived by her daughters Jennifer Edmonds and Amy Secrest; son-in-law Lee Secrest; sister Anne Aldrich; niece Marina Janus; nephew Rick Armellini; and longtime friend, Steve Fox. A memorial and celebration of life will be held in the spring, to be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bitterroot Humane Association. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula.