Edward and Laura Lane Family Fund

Fifty years is a milestone in any lifetime. Whether it is age, how long you’ve been in business, or how long you’ve known someone, it is indeed an accomplishment. In the summer of 2011, Edward and Laura Lane celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary – a lifetime of love, friendship and family. Their children, James Lane and Jennifer Magri, wanted to acknowledge this milestone with a special tribute of their own. Knowing their parents weren’t keen on huge parties or being thrust into the spotlight, they explored a different path. The Lanes had always been actively involved in the Valley, both in their careers and in community service. What James and Jennifer decided on, as the most meaningful gift they could give, was to establish The Edward and Laura Lane Family Fund at the Valley Community Foundation. 

“This is what our family knows so well – the Valley,” said Jennifer. “Doing something like this, and helping the causes our parents feel strongly about, means so much to them,” she said.

Laura has always been passionate about education. Upon college graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Laura began her teaching career in 1960 at Ansonia’s Prendergast School, teaching second grade. For six years she taught and trained student teachers from Southern Connecticut State College, and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Reading, as well as a certificate in Educational Leadership. Laura’s teaching career spanned 38 years, all in the Ansonia schools. During this span she volunteered on many committees to improve educational opportunities for Ansonia’s children, particularly in the areas of Reading and Language Arts. She retired in June 2001.

Ed, an Army veteran, is proud of his service to both our country and his city. Ed served on Ansonia’s Board of Apportionment and Taxation for 17 years and clearly understood the financial challenges the community faces. He spent his entire working career at Seccombe’s Cleaners from 1954 until retiring in 2011. In 1966, Ed and Laura along with her brother Donald and wife Fern had assumed ownership of the cleaners from Lionel and Stewart Seccombe. Ed served as the Treasurer of the business for 45 years and as President since 1998. In 1959, Ed became a volunteer Ansonia firefighter, when he joined the Eagle Hose Hook & Ladder Company #6. He proceeded through the officer ranks, becoming Captain in 1968. He was a Trustee for 30 years, and was recognized for 50 years of service to the firehouse.

When it came to choosing the areas for the Fund to focus on, the choice was clear. “This Donor Advised Fund will supplement Literacy Programs for the Ansonia Public Schools, as well as provide Special Training Programs for the Ansonia Fire Department,” said Jennifer. 

“Our parents are lifelong Ansonia residents,” said James, “and their careers were both Ansonia-based. They are committed to the Valley community and were always doing what they could to assist others. Creating this Fund was just the right thing to do. The community always supported our Dad’s business and our Mom’s work in the school system. By creating this Fund, our whole family can do what our parents have always done and continue to do – lending a hand when and where it is needed most.”