Jane Ellen Roth of Washington Depot, Conn., passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2025, after a long illness. She was surrounded by love and by the music that filled her life.
Jane was born on April 10, 1949, in Yonkers, NY. She is survived by her loving husband of more than 50 years, Emery Roth II; her daughter, Melissa Roth Cherniske, and son-in-law, Darrell Cherniske; her beloved grandson, Aiden; and her son, Emery Roth III, and daughter-in-law, Kate Crescimanno-Roth.
Music was always at the heart of who Jane was. While studying at Carnegie Mellon University, she was told that women couldn’t join the school’s bagpipe band—a moment that stayed with her throughout her life. Determined to prove otherwise, she later taught herself to play the recorder and then the bagpipes. That experience inspired her to share her love of music with others, teaching anyone who wanted to learn and showing that passion and perseverance matter far more than rules or expectations.
Jane especially loved sharing her music with her family and community. The family has great memories of playing recorders together at the annual “Boar’s Head Feast” in her hometown of Washington, Conn. She also played her bagpipes in a local band with her son, Emery III, a drummer—moments of music and connection that reflected the joy she found in making music together. One of her happiest traditions was visiting her grandson’s elementary school every St. Patrick’s Day, where she played the bagpipes for the children, a memory that will always bring smiles to those who heard her play.
Jane also cherished her family’s history and traditions. She loved exploring genealogy and uncovering the stories of those who came before her, weaving those discoveries into everyday life through food and storytelling. In her kitchen, she passed down generations of family recipes to her children and grandson: hearty, comforting dishes that carried the flavors and memories of her heritage. Cooking together often led to retelling favorite family stories, each one linking the past to the present with laughter, love, and pride.
Jane will be remembered for her warmth, curiosity, quiet determination and the joyful sound of her bagpipes that so often filled her home.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jane’s memory to a local music education or youth program continuing her legacy of learning, teaching and sharing the joy of discovery.