Jane Z. Moss

Obituary

Jane Zech Moss died on March 30, 2026, at her home in Clinton Corners, New York. She was born on February 16, 1926, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Jane and her family lived for a while in the Philippines, where her father, a Colonel in the U.S. Army, was stationed. In her late 90s, Jane fondly recalled sailing as a girl in a traditional bangka with local fishermen and following machete-cleared paths through dense forests, as well as early travels to the bustling cities of Macau and Hong Kong. Jane’s love of travel and exploration continued throughout her life. She loved the ocean and canoeing, and seemed happiest, freest, and most beautiful when swimming. In equal measure to her love of nature was her fierce commitment to social justice. Jane began her career as a social worker in South Carolina, whose Jim Crow laws enraged her. Jane had wanted to be a doctor, but, encountering barriers as a woman, she took an academic path, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and her master’s and PhD in sociology at Columbia, where she taught before becoming an instructor at Rutgers University. Jane became an assistant professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York; an active scholar, she conducted research at the New York City Department of Welfare and the Community Health Studies Unit of the St. Luke Hospital Center. Jane and her husband Stanley Moss, to whom she was married 57 years, quietly supported the Little Sisters of the Assumption. Jane and Stanley loved dogs, the ultimate ambassadors of unconditional love.

Jane is preceded in death by Mary Boyd Zech (mother), Luke Donald Zech (father), and Gail Marie Barnett (sister). Jane is survived by her son from a previous marriage, Robert Luke Hauser, her niece Mary Jane Barnett, her grandniece Lula Jane Nolan and great-grandniece Charlotte Nolan, her nephew Daniel Luke Barnett, her stepson Tobia Milla Moss of Rome, and her step-granddaughters Anna Milla Moss and Nina Milla Moss. Jane was insatiably curious, open to life and people of all backgrounds. Her elegant, kind graciousness will be dearly missed.

Gallery

Memory wall

April 13, 2026

Jane was one of the the kindest people I've ever known. She was ephemeral in her blond loveliness, but she was also fiercely "there" to see the truth behind any person she knew. I felt that she could see right through me, but in the gentlest way, without passing judgment. I'm sorry I didn't see her and Stanley after they moved to Clinton Corners, but I will never forget either of them and the abiding support Jane gave me--though in the way of people who are truly kind and giving, I don't think she knew it.

Cleopatra Mathis

April 13, 2026

Jane was the sweetest, nicest most lovely person you're ever going to know. She was also very caring and a maternal figure for me. She's going to be missed everyday. She will always be in my thoughts daily.

Sarah T. Greenberg

April 10, 2026

Mrs Moss,
My special friend,

I remember you with smiles not tears .

For all the joy these few years.

I recalled the closeness that was ours.

A love as sweet as fragrant flowers.

It was your time you had to leave.
You're in Good hands
So rest in peace🙏🏻
My special friend..

Wendy Applewhite

April 10, 2026

The last time I saw Jane she was bed-ridden but lively and humorous, as when I had met her before; and she was kind. She loved animals as much almost as Stanley did, and they seem to have loved her back, as I did. She is an occasion for and/or a contributor to many of Stanley's poems, some of which are in dialogue with her, as if answering, answering back, or saying something loving and oblique like 'thank you'. Thank you, Jane: I don't know you well enough to speak obliquely! God bless.

Michael Schmidt

April 10, 2026

I am very happy to share the photography-room of Janes,thank you very much:I recall my visits in her beautiful house and the fantastic meals Stanley produced,and of course I remembered the strong dogs running through the garden to follow the next illusion…And I was happy to see Janes wise old face before leaving this world.
Thank you! Michael Krüger

Michael Krüger

April 5, 2026

Jane was a very close friend and a truly remarkable, loving, and compassionate human being. She had a rare warmth and generosity of spirit that touched everyone who knew her. We spent endless hours in conversation, enriched by her wisdom, her kindness, and her gentle sense of humor.

She is deeply missed, but her love and legacy will continue to live on in all of us.

Hana, David, and Emanuela Amichai

David Amichai

April 4, 2026

Aunt Jane (as she will always be to me) was the most wise and strong woman I ever knew. I will always cherish her kindnesses to me and my husband, Joe, and my daughters the countless times we visited her and Stanley over the years in New York city, at Watermill, Long Island, and of course, Clinton Corners. Jane was a marvelous and gracious host. There was always the excitement of dogs, horses, boating, fishing and swimming in pools, bays, and harbors summer, fall or spring. So many memories of Stanley's dogs and Jane's dog Nicky, too, and feasting on Stanley's favorite recipes of the moment --mushrooms (shaggy manes) freshly harvested, and the many Moss extended gatherings and celebrations. I recall fondly Jane and Stanley's wedding celebration at Stanley Kunitz's apartment (Joe and I were married around the sam time). So many memories of Jane. She was a regal and elegant presence I will always love dearly. I will cherish her blessed memory forever. Forever, Neice, Nancy

nancy gorrell

April 4, 2026

I have so many wonderful memories of cousin Jane. Always kind and welcoming. My husband and I spent a few times at her and Stanley’s house, even had our first wedding night at their home on LI. Such a beautiful memory. Jane was always gracious with a great spirit. A joy to talk with. We will miss her very much.

Andrea Fixell Ramos

April 3, 2026

Jane was the naturally kindest and most compassionate person and I'm eternally grateful for her hospitality and her sweetness to my daughter. She was intellectually curious and sharp and engaged in the work of caring for others.

Bruce Smith

April 2, 2026

Thank you for these beautiful photos. I met Jane just once on a visit to Clinton Corners. I brought her and Stanley a bouquet of white roses. She was so gracious, genuine, and happy to receive the flowers. Jane was kind, elegant, and caring. It was a great pleasure to meet her and to receive her kindness. 1926-2026. May she rest now in eternal peace.

Emily Fragos