IN MEMORIAM: Bette Jane Konchar, 74;

Served Bassett, Earned Bachelor’s At 61

COOPERSTOWN – Bette Jane Konchar, a lifelong learner who obtained a bachelor’s in chemistry at age 61, died peacefully Thursday morning, Aug. 24, 2017, at her home in Oneonta, following a valiant struggle with cancer. She was 74.

Born Feb. 27, 1943, in Cooperstown, Jane was the daughter of Stanley L. and Albina (Cop) Konchar.

A member of the Class of 1961 at Cooperstown Central School, Jane was active in many extracurricular activities during her school years, including cross-country skiing and horseback riding, and was a very musical person who played the French horn, violin, accordion and organ.

Inspired by the challenge of research and experimentation, Jane was an enthusiastic learner and as an adult began taking courses at Hartwick College. At age 61, she earned a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry.

For 26 years, Jane was employed by Bassett Hospital. Beginning in 1971, she served as a medical receptionist and then a medical secretary, and from 1980 until 1998 was a medical transcriptionist. She will be remembered as being extremely reliable and conscientious at her job, which she always did efficiently with a commitment to maintaining exacting standards.

Jane is survived by her aunt, Rosemary C. Fisher of Mesa, Ariz., and many, many cousins and friends from the many facets of her life.

She was predeceased by her father, Stanley, who died Aug. 9, 1998; her mother, Albina, who died Jan. 20, 2016; and her brother, Steven Alan Konchar, who died July 19, 1963.

A Memorial Service will be offered at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening, August 29, 2017, at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4636 State Highway 28, Hartwick Seminary, with the Rev. Paul R. Messner, pastor officiating.

She will be laid to rest with her parents and brother at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.

For those who wish to honor Jane, her family respectfully suggests that memorial donations be directed to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.