Jane A. Vipond

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-’70s. 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 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 fillet 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 for a brief time and spent her last years living in State College.

She passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2023, after a long illness.

Preceding her in death were her sister, Gretchen Peck (2021) of Gibsonia; husband, Stitler Vipond (2006); former husband, Gerald Henderson of State College (2012); and grandson, Charles Henderson of Hollidaysburg (2023).

She leaves behind her children: Edward (Kathy) Henderson of State College, Evan W. (Linda) Henderson of Hollidaysburg, Megan Henderson of Boston, Mass., and Matte Henderson (Brandee) of Stow, Mass. She also leaves behind her sisters, Rebecca Duncan of Elizabethtown and Charlotte Albright of Lyndonville, Vt.; grandsons, Evan P. Henderson of Breckenridge, Colo., and Daniel Henderson of Quincy, Mass.; stepdaughters, Susan McCormick of State College and Peggy Vipond of Apache Junction, Ariz.; step-granddaughters, Jessica Shocker of Allentown and Laura Shocker of Manhattan, N.Y.; 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., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona.

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 page.