Jane Ellen Dumas

In Loving Memory of Jane Ellen Dumas
Jane Ellen Dumas (Labonne)
June 11, 1952 - April 2, 2025
Jane Ellen Dumas, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025,
at Backus Hospital in Norwich, Connecticut, at the age of 72.
Born on June 11, 1952, in Norwich, CT, Jane was the daughter of the late Eugene Labonne and Dorothy
Labonne (Senn). She grew up in Lisbon, Connecticut, attended Lisbon Central School, and graduated from
Norwich Free Academy (NFA) with the Class of 1970. She went on to study at The Chandler School for
Women in Boston, MA.
Jane married Edward Dumas on April 22, 1971. Despite the closing of that chapter in marriage, their love
story lives on in their children and grandsons-a lasting legacy of devotion, friendship, and family.
After college, Jane began her professional life at Plastic Wire and Cable in Jewett City, CT. She spent many
years working at the Plainfield Greyhound Park in Plainfield, CT, where she built lasting friendships and
found joy in her work. A devoted Yankees fan, Jane especially loved her time working a few seasons at Dodd
Stadium in Norwich, CT, when it was home to a minor league team affiliated with the Yankees.
She went on to have a remarkable 30-year career in finance at Mohegan Sun, where she was not only
respected for her professionalism and dedication, but also deeply loved by her coworkers. Jane was known as
a great boss, a thoughtful listener, and someone who treated everyone with kindness and respect.
Jane is survived by her daughter, Katie Dumas, and her fiancée Michael Sullivan Jr., with whom she lived in
Lisbon, CT; her son, Andrew Dumas, and his girlfriend Crystal Ballaro of Preston, CT; and her beloved
grandsons, Evan Dumas and Haden Sauer. She was also a proud and loving "Grammy" to her three bonus
grandchildren: Joshua Ballaro, Jayla Ballaro, and Seamus Sullivan, all of whom brought joy to her heart and
warmth to her home.
She also leaves behind her loving siblings: Maureen Bieniarz and her partner Dennis Morton of North Fort
Myers, FL; Susan Abran and her husband Tom Abran of Norwich, CT; David Labonne of Lisbon, CT; and
James Labonne and his wife Blenda Labonne of Lisbon, CT. Jane leaves behind many nieces, nephews,
great-nieces, great-nephews, and a wide circle of beloved cousins who will miss her warmth, generosity, and
humor dearly.
In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by her ex-husband and father of her children, Edward Dumas,
and her lifelong friend since grade school, Lois Birmingham Shumway.
Jane had a lifelong love of baseball and was a devoted New York Yankees fan. She watched or listened to
every single game and especially loved sharing that passion with her grandson Haden, attending his games and
cheering him on with pride. Their shared love of the Yankees created a bond that brought them even closer.
She shared a special connection with her first grandchild, Evan. From reading books about trucks to watching
Cars together on repeat, their early years were filled with cozy moments and laughter. She treasured those
memories deeply and carried them in her heart always.
Jane was a phenomenal cook whose dishes were legendary among friends and family. Her carrot cake,
cheesecake, tacos, and especially "Aunt Janie's Salad" were staples at every gathering-each meal made with
love and shared with joy.
She had a deep connection with nature and loved spending time in her garden, tending to a large vegetable
patch every year. She found peace in birdwatching, especially when spotting her favorites: cardinals,
bluebirds, and chickadees.
Her love of music was woven through her life. Jane especially adored The Beatles and also cherished the
music of Simon and Garfunkel, Elton John, America, and Billy Joel.
She was a gifted storyteller with a vivid imagination that drew both children and adults alike. Everyone pulled
up a chair for "One of Janie's Stories," and her playful, creative spirit made her a natural when it came to
entertaining and connecting with children.
Jane was a lifelong card player who loved nothing more than gathering around the table with family. She was
a master of "The Penny Game" and spent recent years dominating cribbage matches with her sister Maureen
and brother-in-law Dennis-who rarely beat her.
She was also a Girl Scout leader when Katie was young and quickly became a second mom to many of Katie's
friends. Her home was always open-offering warmth, guidance, and comfort not just to her children's friends,
but to her niece Jennifer and nephews Christopher and Peter, all of whom felt her unconditional love
throughout their lives.
Jane had a special place in her heart for animals, especially yellow Labrador Retrievers. Most recently, she
formed a deep bond with her daughter's yellow lab, Meadow, a Mother's Day puppy who became her constant
companion. Gentle and sweet, Meadow kept Jane company during the day and offered love, affection, and
quiet joy-she, too, is feeling the loss of her Grammy deeply.
Jane's kindness, gentle strength, laughter, and unwavering love for her family defined her life. She will be
deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the joy of knowing her.
A calling hour will be Wednesday April 16, 2025 from 11 to 12 Noon at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home 490 Voluntown Rd Jewett City, CT with a service to follow at 12 Noon at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane's memory can be made to Matt's Mission in Jewett City, Jewett City Little League, Sandy Hook Promise or a charity of your choice.

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