Jaren Miner Tortora, 1945–2025
Jaren Tortora, who served us as vice president, docent, and trustee over many years, passed away on November 12th.
Jaren was a true friend of our society and museum, with a particular passion for our vast textile collection. Over the years, she collaborated with former trustee Sara LeCount on curated displays of some of those textiles.
She was kind, dedicated, and loving. We loved her, and we miss her terribly.
Here is her full obituary, as copied from the Miller Funeral Services web site:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jaren Miner Tortora, who went home to be with the Lord at the age of 80. A devoted woman of faith, she lived her life with grace, compassion, and unwavering kindness, touching the hearts of all who knew her.
Born in August 1945, she graduated from Honeoye Falls High School in 1963 and then went on to Cobleskill College and Majored in Animal Husbandry and Minored in Horticulture. Her passion for plants and animals was a major theme throughout her life and she enjoyed raising horses, cattle, the always appearing barn cats and living on various farms planting fruits/vegetables and canning them. Her High School quote in her yearbook read “God forbid I should go to any heaven where there aren’t any horses!” She was always busy serving others and donating her time to her Church, HOA’s, Cattle Women’s Club, a friend in need and using her Floral Shop expertise arranging bouquets for family and friends special occasions and weddings.
Jaren was the heart of her multiple families and communities – A guiding light whose warmth and generosity knew no bounds. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Warren and Jane Pease, her brother, Dudley Pease, and her dear daughter, Jayne Miner, whose memory she carried tenderly throughout her life. She was also predeceased by her husband Thomas Tortora Sr. Through her marriage, she was blessed with four stepchildren, Susan Longmore (Tortora), Terri Viavattene (Tortora), Thomas Tortora Jr., Steven Tortora, and a beautiful extended family that included ten cherished grandchildren, and a sister-in-law, Linda Tortora. She is also survived by a cousin, Kim Hoskins and extended Cousins. Jaren shared a special bond as a mother in every sense of the word with her “Heart Kids” from the Elm Place Angus Farm who have known Jaren their whole lives and considered her a “Second Mom”, Barbara Moose, Diane Moose Cerrone and Dan Moose along with other Elm Place Families. Her compassion and open heart drew in countless others – friends, neighbors in both FL and NY, and families with whom she shared her love and kindness that she so freely gave. She will be missed by us all!
In August, Jaren joyfully celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by family and friends – a testament to the many lives she touched. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived it every day through her unshakeable belief in the goodness of others. Her legacy is one of faith, love, and service – a life beautifully lived and deeply felt. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her comforting words, her steadfast strength, endless energy, and her great capacity to love.
A celebration of her life and faith will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you choose a local flower shop and buy someone close to you some flowers to spread her kindness as they were one of the many loves of Jaren, and she would smile down on your thoughtfulness.
