Jane A. Vipond 1934-2023

Jane was born in Altoona, PA in 1934 to Charles and Helen (Pearce) Albright. She studied ballet from a young age through her graduation from Altoona High School and went on to further dance studies at Bennington College. After her time at Bennington, she attended Chatham College in Pittsburgh.

She married Gerald B. Henderson, the late president of Saf-T-Bak, Inc. in 1954 and together they had four children. Janie enjoyed golf, tennis and even led her friends into the disco craze in the mid to late 70’s. She was known in Blair County and beyond for her fine artistry, specializing in made-to-order works. She donated several of her pieces to the Blair County Arts Foundation for their annual Gala and Auction. For a number of years, she created whimsical and eye-catching publicity for the Altoona Community Theatre and helped to paint sets at the Mishler Theatre for various productions. She also enjoyed making intricate, witty and incredibly life-like miniature room boxes for her friends and family. Janie will always be remembered for her quick, dry sense of humor, her exquisite taste and her unique delivery in telling a story. She had a keen eye and ear for the offbeat delights in life.

For many years, she delved into the genealogy of her family and spent many happy weeks near the ancestral home on the coast of her beloved Cornwall, England with her cousins and fellow artists. She made a number of new family connections during her time there and also forged many new friendships. She also enjoyed the time she spent by the sea with her family in Massachusetts and Maine.

In 1980 she was married to Stitler A. Vipond. They lived happily in Ligonier, PA for 25 years, before Stitler’s death. Jane was active on the Board of the Ligonier Public Library and continued to create all kinds of art while living there. She could gut, clean and filet a trout in minutes, had an abiding interest in antiques and oil paintings, was a spontaneous cook, a moderately interested but gifted gardener, a kind friend and a generous host.

Jane returned to Hollidaysburg, PA for a brief time and spent her last years living in State College, PA.

She passed away peacefully on December 28, after a long illness. Preceding her in death are her sister, Gretchen Peck (2021) of Gibsonia, PA, husband Stitler Vipond (2006), former husband Gerald Henderson (2012) of State College, PA and grandson Charles Henderson (2023) of Hollidaysburg, PA. She leaves behind her children: Edward (Kathy) Henderson of State College, Pa, Evan W. (Linda) Henderson of Hollidaysburg, PA, Megan Henderson of Boston, MA and Matte Henderson (Brandee) of Stow, MA. She also leaves behind her sisters Rebecca Duncan of Elizabethtown, PA and Charlotte Albright of Lyndonville, VT, grandsons Evan P. Henderson of Breckenridge, CO and Daniel Henderson of Quincy, MA, step-daughters Susan McCormick of State College and Peggy Vipond of Apache Junction, AZ, step-granddaughters Jessica Shocker of Allentown, PA and Laura Shocker of Manhattan, NY, as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Central Kitchen, www.worldcentralkitchen.org.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.