Knickerbocker School PTA

The Jane Gaffney Nursing Memorial Scholarship was created in 1969 by members of the Knickerbocker School PTA to remember a young woman whom many people knew as one of their adopted children on Haley Street. “Haley Street was not just a neighborhood, it was a family. This scholarship meant so very much to my parents and their neighbors. It is hard to describe, but a part of my sister, the candy-striper, lives on through this scholarship. To this day, my family and friends still contribute money to it. We will always remember her,” Steven Gaffney said.

This scholarship is offered to a full-time freshman who is a nursing student at Jefferson Community College. While working towards an associate degree in applied science, the student is expected to show academic promise in addition to receiving financial assistance.

Remembering his sister, Mr. Gaffney also said, “Jane affected people wherever she was. She helped patients as a candy-striper, bringing them a smile, company, and a book or two. Regardless of their ages, people loved being around her. Her smile could make anyone feel better and wanted.”

Jane Marie Gaffney was born in Watertown, New York, on August 15, 1951, the daughter of Robert J. and Jean F. Alton Gaffney. She attended Watertown High School.

For two years, she served as a candy-striper at the House of the Good Samaritan in Watertown. She was a member of the Watertown High School concert chorus and was active in the Day at the Y Program at the Y.M.C.A. While volunteering her time there, she was also an instructor in gymnastics and cooking.

She was a communicant of Holy Family Church. She died February 1, 1967.

The Jefferson Community College Foundation is grateful to the Knickerbocker School PTA for establishing this scholarship.