Jane L. Wasserstrom
May 1, 1945 — January 14, 2025
Jane Wasserstrom, born May 1,1945 in Brooklyn NY, died of lung cancer on January 14, 2025, at the age of 79. She was a daughter, sister, cousin, great cousin, loyal partner, friend, aunt, and a great-aunt.
She was the devoted partner of Claudette Claude for 45 years. Together they built a home and life starting in Manhattan and Palisades, NY and ending in Florida. It was a life filled with love, laughter, and deep companionship. Their relationship was one of passion, stubbornness, and the occasional slammed door, but through it all, Claudette remained by her side, proving that love can endure even the most formidable tempers.
Known for her fiery temper and unwavering ability to get exactly what she wanted, Jane lived life on her own terms—often loudly. Jane was also known for her sharp wit, love for animals and unwavering spirit. She had an adventurous soul and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys—She had a true passion for reading and music. When discussing a good book, a show on TV, or music of any kind, she knew all the inside details and had an unbelievable depth of knowledge. She enjoyed traveling with Claudette, especially Italy and their cruises. She made friends everywhere she went and loved to talk with and meet new people.
Jane had a vibrant spirit and a passion for the world of entertainment. After graduating from Boston University, Jane had a brief but memorable stint in television, working as a production assistant for The Joan Rivers Show for seven episodes in 1968. While she may have had strong opinions about how things should have been run, she nonetheless looked back on that time with a mix of pride and begrudging amusement. She often told a funny story about an encounter with Stevie Wonder. And she loved when people compared her to the actress Elisabeth Ashley. Though her career path led her elsewhere, her love for the arts and storytelling remained a defining part of her life. She loved going to the movies, watching the award shows and tennis, and Cher. She had a stroke in 2020, and while residing in a nursing home, she enjoyed her computer and games and visits from her niece and family members.
Despite her sharp tongue and flair for drama, Jane had an undeniable soft spot—for animals. She was a fierce advocate for their well-being and dedicated countless hours working and volunteering at various ASPCA animal shelters, ensuring that every abandoned pet she encountered received a second chance. She brought home several cats and her own beloved dogs, Cookie and Lulu, were the center of her world, pampered and adored. They provided her with unconditional love, though they, too, learned she was in charge, and Claudette was the one who fed and walked them!
Jane was never one to back down from an argument, whether it was about politics, the proper way to do something, or why she absolutely deserved the last word. She had a knack for making her presence known and left an impression—whether good or bad—on nearly everyone she met.
Despite her sharp tongue and occasional impatience, Jane was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She will be remembered for her wit, her stubborn will, and the undeniable force of her personality.
A private service will be held, as Jane would not have tolerated anyone crying over her. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an animal shelter in her honor, or at the very least, giving your pet an extra treat and telling them it’s from Jane.
She was the devoted partner of Claudette Claude for 45 years. Together they built a home and life starting in Manhattan and Palisades, NY and ending in Florida. It was a life filled with love, laughter, and deep companionship. Their relationship was one of passion, stubbornness, and the occasional slammed door, but through it all, Claudette remained by her side, proving that love can endure even the most formidable tempers.
Known for her fiery temper and unwavering ability to get exactly what she wanted, Jane lived life on her own terms—often loudly. Jane was also known for her sharp wit, love for animals and unwavering spirit. She had an adventurous soul and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys—She had a true passion for reading and music. When discussing a good book, a show on TV, or music of any kind, she knew all the inside details and had an unbelievable depth of knowledge. She enjoyed traveling with Claudette, especially Italy and their cruises. She made friends everywhere she went and loved to talk with and meet new people.
Jane had a vibrant spirit and a passion for the world of entertainment. After graduating from Boston University, Jane had a brief but memorable stint in television, working as a production assistant for The Joan Rivers Show for seven episodes in 1968. While she may have had strong opinions about how things should have been run, she nonetheless looked back on that time with a mix of pride and begrudging amusement. She often told a funny story about an encounter with Stevie Wonder. And she loved when people compared her to the actress Elisabeth Ashley. Though her career path led her elsewhere, her love for the arts and storytelling remained a defining part of her life. She loved going to the movies, watching the award shows and tennis, and Cher. She had a stroke in 2020, and while residing in a nursing home, she enjoyed her computer and games and visits from her niece and family members.
Despite her sharp tongue and flair for drama, Jane had an undeniable soft spot—for animals. She was a fierce advocate for their well-being and dedicated countless hours working and volunteering at various ASPCA animal shelters, ensuring that every abandoned pet she encountered received a second chance. She brought home several cats and her own beloved dogs, Cookie and Lulu, were the center of her world, pampered and adored. They provided her with unconditional love, though they, too, learned she was in charge, and Claudette was the one who fed and walked them!
Jane was never one to back down from an argument, whether it was about politics, the proper way to do something, or why she absolutely deserved the last word. She had a knack for making her presence known and left an impression—whether good or bad—on nearly everyone she met.
Despite her sharp tongue and occasional impatience, Jane was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She will be remembered for her wit, her stubborn will, and the undeniable force of her personality.
A private service will be held, as Jane would not have tolerated anyone crying over her. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an animal shelter in her honor, or at the very least, giving your pet an extra treat and telling them it’s from Jane.
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