Jane N. Graff

MADISON- Jane Graff, age 81, died August 7, 2008, at Meriter Hospital after a long encounter with a pulmonary condition. Daughter of Irma Camp and Edgar Graff, Jane followed in the footsteps of her parents as an Extension Specialist in Home Furnishing and Design. Her mother had taught apparel and interior design at Iowa State College, and her father worked as an Extension District Supervisor with the Agricultural Extension Service in Iowa. Jane received a BS in Applied Art from Iowa State College in 1949 and then worked for several years in the interior design bureau of the Armstrong Cork Company. In 1956 she completed an MA in Art at the University of California, Los Angeles. Until 1959, she was instructor and extension specialist in interior design and furnishings at Michigan State University. In 1959 Jane moved to Madison, WI and for the next 32 years served as a faculty member and provided program support to county extension faculty. She employed newsletters, fact sheets, radio, television and other media in an effort to reach a variety of audiences throughout the state. She also designed, constructed and photographed scale models to illustrate design concepts. After her retirement in 1991 she enjoyed bike and European trips with friends. Her interest in genealogy led her to assume leadership roles in state and local genealogical societies. She worked as a volunteer at the State Historical Society library. As a former cellist and pianist she continued her interest in music by attending musical events and participating in the UW Early Music Festival playing the recorder. Jane was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church during her time in Madison. Her knowledge of historical and liturgical textiles proved to be invaluable. She served on the Grace Altar guild and was a member of the Grace Rectors Guild. Jane joined a volunteer committee working to advance support for the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection at the School of Human Ecology, UW - Madison. In this role she was involved in a number of fund-raising initiatives. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at Grace Episcopal Church, on the Capital Square. The Rev. Patrick Raymond will be officiating.