Jean B. Lang
February 9, 1924 - October 4, 2012
Jean B. Lang,
88, passed away Thursday (Oct. 4, 2012) at Wellsville Manor Care Center
following a brief illness.
Jean was born on Feb. 9, 1924 in Boston, Mass. to John and Margaret (Irvine) Buckingham. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1945 from Boston University. After she graduated from Boston University she worked for the Encyclopedia Britannica in Cambridge MA at Harvard University libraries and later at St. Louis Public Library. On Oct. 9, 1946, she married Walter I. Lang, who survives. Jean was the librarian for Hinkle Library on the Alfred State College campus from 1962 until her retirement in 1990. The Jean B. Lang Western New York Historical Collection is housed at Hinkle Library and is named in her honor where she organized the collection in 1964 and served as its curator until 1991. In addition to her husband of 66 years, Jean is survived by three sons, Richard S. (Laurie H.) Lang, John (Lisa J.) Lang and Donn (Maryann C.) Lang, all of Alfred Station; one daughter, Rebecca Lang-Graves of Alfred Station; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Bruce S. and Harriet H. Buckingham. Jean enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, reading and solving crossword puzzles. She has been active in community groups such as the League of Women Voters, Andover Central PTA president and Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Alfred, Alfred Town Historian, and Home Demonstration group leader. She was a member of the Amandine Club, the Baker’s Bridge Historical Society, and the Alfred Historical Society where she served as president. Jean was instrumental in the 1970 relocation of the Terra Cotta building to its present location. Additionally, she served as a volunteer in the Allegany County Mental Health Association Compeer Program and LAFASNY. She was one of the first women to become a life member of the A.E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company. She voluntarily wrote the “In the Alfred Sun 50, 25 and 10 Years Ago” column for many years as well as being supervisor of the “History of Alfred, NY” book. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2-4 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The memorial service will be held on Monday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Abbot William MacCrea of the Celtic Christian Community at Locust Brae, officiating. Bagpipes will be presented by Alexander McCrea. Burial will follow in Alfred Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jean’s name may be made to Alfred or Alfred Station Fire Departments; Alfred Box of Books, 1 West University St., Alfred, NY 14802; Baker’s Bridge Historical Society, PO Box 13, Alfred Station, NY 14803. |
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