Sara Jane McCandless
November 21, 1948 - August 10, 2025
Sara Jane McCandless passed away on August 10, 2025 after a long struggle with leukemia at Roswell Cancer Institute.
Janie as she was known to so many was born on November 21, 1948 in Bradford, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Jim and Ruth McCandless of Lockport and the sister of Cynthia (Don) McCandless Brewer also of Lockport.
She was the aunt of Jim (Alicia) McCandless of Lexington, South Carolina; Raymond (Janet) Wienke of Lockport; the late Kimberly McCandless; Lisa Brewer Marl of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Lori (Rodney) Brewer Recore of Barker. Janie was also the great aunt of James McCandless of Tonawanda; Liz Baker of Lackawanna; Shelby Rae Stevens of St. John's Island, South Carolina; Joshua Wienke of Mansfield, Pennsylvania; and Donovan Recore of Middleport.
Janie was the niece of the late Dr. William (Betty) Wasson of Lockport and the cousin of Connie Wasson Pundt of Castle Rock, Colorado; Peg (Lynn) Durkee of Lockport; and Paul (Barb) Wasson of Lockport.
She was a proud member of the Lockport Senior High School Class of 1966 and worked for Transit Car Wash for 30 years before retiring. Janie played women's fastpitch softball for Travelers Inn, bowled in leagues at Allie Brandt Lanes and was an avid golfer playing in many golf tournaments most fondly with her nephew Jim.
As everyone knew, Janie loved her sports and will be sadly missed for her humor and kindness. A Celebration of Life in loving memory of Sara Jane is being held for family and close invited friends.
|
Mary Jane Murtaugh (Thurston)
I'm so sad to hear of Janie's passing. She was my sidekick for many years. From 6 th grade at Charles Upson through Jr. High at Belknap we were always up to something fun. From gymnastics at the Armory, to skating endlessly, we were always in motion. She was an outstanding athlete and she threw a mean bowling ball as well as a softball. Trying to keep up with her prowess was impossible as I couldn't hold a candle to her talent (except for ice skating). She had an incredible sense of humor and always had everyone in stitches. I will always be grateful for the friendship we shared as she was part of my growing up. A dear, lovely human. I'll miss you Janie.
Robert Stevens
it saddens me that another one of our classmates has passed. Jane was a good friend, and we talked when our paths crossed, mostly about bowling. We both have made some great achievements in the game and would like to talk about them. She was great in SPORTS, including bowling in baseball, rest in peace, Janie
Margaret Newton (Zusky)
Janie was a new friend in 7th grade when the elementary schools merged into Emmet Belknap. We often walked home from school together which is when she taught me Pig Latin - what an achievement! I also rememeber meeting Janie at the trampoline "park" at the end of the Loblaw's plaza and I would marvel at the heights she could reach, the flips she could do, and the joy she had in flying. She was a fun, funny friend.
Allan Weseman
Jane and I both grew up in our parents' homes on Bridlewood Drive in Lockport. Jane could cup her hands and make a whistle of it blowing between her thumbs. I worked for WEEKS trying to duplicate it and finally did. I remember the "Pig Latin" thing too. After graduation I worked for Volkswagen Village when they opened and Jane bought a powder blue beetle from them. I fondly remember her interest in baseball. Sad to think I have outlived her.