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. She graduated from Burr and Burton in Manchester, VT in 1953, as quite an athlete and star basketball player for 4 years. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Howard W. Stratton, in St Jerome's church in East Dorset, VT. They had 4 children who grew up in the Rutland area. She devoted her time and energy to her family. Jane was a teacher's aide/crossing guard/playground supervisor at Rutland Town School for 27 years. She loved being with children and was loved and respected by everyone. Being recognized by former students and others brought her great joy. Jane was a lifelong supporter of MSJ and past co-president of MSJ Parents & Friends club with her husband. She was a parishioner at St. Peter’s Catholic 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. She loved and became passionate about anything that the people she loved were involved or interested in. She was their #1 fan and 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. 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. Numerous great and some great-great grandchildren. Loads of nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.! Predeceased by her parents, her husband, her son Richard, his wife Anne Stratton, and her son-in-law Charles(Chuck) Machia. Also dear friends Barbara Santwire and Lucy Kimball. Calling hours will be at Clifford Funeral, Rutland on January 6, 2026 from 4 -7 pm. The funeral service will be January 7th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rutland at 11 am. Contributions can be made to MSJ, a local food bank or humane society.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Clifford Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.cliffordfuneralhome.com