Jane Ellen (Mendenhall) Echelson, 84, of West Hartford, died peacefully on January 5, 2013. Born March 18, 1928 in Beaver Falls, PA to Emma and Raymond Mendenhall, she lived in Youngstown, OH and Torrington, CT before settling in East Hartford, CT. In 1999 she moved to West Hartford to live with her daughter, Roberta and grandchild, Peython Echelson-Russell, who survive her. She also leaves friend Raymond Russell, family-of-the-heart Aleyda Armstrong, Carla, and Jessica, and niece Rayellen Day and other family members. She was predeceased by her former husband, Robert, sister Emma Marie McCormick, and brothers Raymond and William. Jane worked for the National Equal Education Institute and University of Hartford and retired from the West Hartford AAA. A feminist and community activist, Jane studied opera and loved singing. With no higher education background, she earned an M.Ed. at UMASS while in her 40's. Jane was a passionate person who always cared with her full heart. A small memorial service will be held in the spring. Donations in her memory may be made to the Echelson scholarship fund at 143 Haynes Road, W. Htfd., CT 06117. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com