Jane Buckingham Garofalo (nee Jane Randall Buckingham) of Myrtle Beach, SC, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 25, 2021, while walking along the shore at Myrtle Beach State Park, SC. Jane died of complications from cancer.
Jane was born in Bethesda, MD, on June 18, 1953, and raised in nearby Rockville by her late parents Richard G. and Rose (nee Williams) Buckingham. She excelled scholastically and athletically at Richard Montgomery High School and later at Gettysburg College, playing varsity basketball among other sports at both schools. She remained active in adult life with softball, skiing and snorkeling, and running, and even completed several marathons, including the Boston Marathon twice. Throughout her life she loved the ocean, and especially enjoyed visiting Bethany Beach, DE, and Kihei, HI; love of the ocean played a major role in family's decision to move from California to Myrtle Beach in May 2020.
As a tribute to her innate abilities to quickly learn new skills Jane had a varied professional career. After majoring in biology, she worked in a serology laboratory in MD. Other jobs in later life included working as a paralegal and in the display group in a department store. Jane also had artistic talents, and sold her paintings and etching both privately and as part of the fund-raising activities of PBS station KVIE-TV in Sacramento, CA.
Jane leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Gary A. Garofalo; sister Ellen Buckingham of Rockville, MD. She was pre-deceased by her brother Richard G. Buckingham, of Dagsboro, DE. Jane had many relatives from the both sides of the family with whom she shared many fond memories of annual get-togethers. She also leaves many friends from present and former homes, and from college. All who know Jane found her to be smart, quick-witted, generous, caring and engaging.
A Celebration of Life is expected to be held in the Spring 2022 in Rockville, MD.
Special thanks to all who rendered assistance to her on September 25th: the bystanders at the State Park who gave initial first aid; the Horry County EMS and Fire Departments; and the staff at Grand Strand South Medical Center, Myrtle Beach. Thanks also to the medical staff who treated Jane since February.
In lieu of flowers donations made be made on her behalf to The Shephard's Table, 1412 Gamecock Ave # A, Conway, SC 29526.
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