Mary Jane Stratton

Mary Jane Stratton, 90, of Center Rutland, VT passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025 with her

loving family by her side at RRMC. Jane was born in Mount Tabor, VT on August 5, 1935 to Robert C.

Ackert and Anna (Whalon) Ackert. She graduated from Burr and Burton Seminary in Manchester, VT in

1953. She was quite an athlete and star basketball player for all 4 years. In 1953, she married the love of

her life, Howard W. Stratton, in St Jerome's church in East Dorest, VT. They had 4 children who grew up

in the Rutland area and to whom she devoted her time and energy.

Jane was a teacher's aide/crossing guard/playground supervisor at Rutland Town School for 27 years

after her children had grown. She loved being with children and was loved and respected by everyone.

Being recognized by former students and others brought her great joy. Janie was a lifelong supporter of

MSJ and past co-president of MSJ Parents & Friends club with her husband. She was a parishoner at

St.Peter Church in Rutland, VT. She was an avid fan of Nascar(Richard Petty), Syracuse University, and

the Red Sox. She was an 8 yr season ticket holder of the Stetson Hatter's baseball team in Deland, FL.

Anything that the people she loved was involved in or interested in, she took a passion in it as well. She

was their #1 fan. She was willing to go to great lengths to support them. She loved reading(Rutland

Herald, Agatha Christie, Harry Potter), swimming(VAC mermaid), and camping(in Maine especially). She

loved her family dearly and spending time with them and others. Her smile, laugh and kindness will never

be forgotten. She loved life and wouldn't let anything get her down.

Survivors include her children, Roberta S. Machia, Howard W. Stratton, Jr.(MeriBeth), and Paula

Tordonato(Joseph). Grandchildren Michelle Ricketts, Zachary(Maya) Machia, Kaci(Josh) Nason,

Jacklyn(Jake Kirk-Elkin) Stratton, Juliann Tordonato, Kaitlyn(Michael) Hayes, Steven Bernier, Mary

Bernier, Andrew(Kelsey) Blaum, Laura(Andy) Torrington, John Murphy, and Joseph(KelseyGordon)

Stratton. She is also survived by numerous great grandchildren, some great-great grandchildren, and loads

of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, etc.!

Jane is predeceased by her parents, her husband, her son Richard, Richard's wife Anne Stratton, and

her son-in-law Charles(Chuck) Machia. Also her dear, childhood friends Barbara Santwire and Lucy

Kimball who were like sisters to her since she was an only child.

Funeral arrangements are pending for after the first of the year. Contributions can be made to MSJ, a

local food bank or humane society.