Ray Of Hope Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc.
The LGBTQISA2ss+ Pride Activities, and Social Events Center of Elmira, NY.
The only Church in Central New York founded and fostered by the GLBTQSIA2ss+ community for 39 years. October 31, 2022 - 39th Anniversary now in our 40th year in Ministry.
Nora Jane Mc Dermott (Lambert) "Jane" b. 3/12/37 was promoted to Glory as she passed into Paradise peacefully at home in her sleep on 10/1/19. A graduate of EFA Class of 1955, she worked at Arnot Ogden, American LaFrance, and The Elmira Correctional Facility. Jane is survived by her daughter, Peggy Mc Dermott; son, Br. Shawn F. Benedict, Grandchildren; Jennifer Baccile, Ty Baccile and Anthony Baccile, and Great Grandchildren: Brady Baccile, Nora Baccile, Malakai Maycumber, and her Sister Edythe Winslow. Jane was predeceased by her mother, Margaret "Peg" E. Walker, d. 9/4/06. A public worship service of thanksgiving and praise was held Friday October 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Ray Of Hope Church 380 W. 1st St. Elmira, NY where Jane was a Member for 22 years and a Foundress of the Elmira Chapel. All were welcomed with open arms.
Donations may be made to Ray Of Hope Church, Inc. in Jane's honor. Simply click on the link below.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, always praise the Lord, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, in times of plenty and times of want, and with births and deaths. He is Lord of the living and the dead. (Colossians 3:17, Romans 14:9)
Page updated
7/22/21
5:36 p.m.
UPDATE: The interment for Nora Jane Mc Dermott was celebrated Monday October 7, 2019 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads, NY at 1:30 PM. We are pleased to be able to it post here on our web site so that you may enjoy it and pray along. To experience the graveside worship service Click Here.
View the placing of Jane's ashes into the grave. Click Here.
Here is a YouTube video of Jane in the chapel in 2012 at Morning Prayer. In this video we see and hear Daisy, Lucas and Isabella singing to the opening song "O Lord, Open My Lips." Jane attended Morning Prayer in the chapel all the years we offered this service to the public. Click on the picture below to see and hear the video.
Read the Star Gazette Obituary, Click Here.
October 9, 2019
McDermott Family,
Sorry to read of Jane's passing. Made me reflect a little today and sat back and smiled. Remember working with Jane at ECF. However, remember the friendship Jane and my mother shared when I was a child growing up. Remember Jane coming to the house always smiling. Godspeed Jane. I believe Leo and Patty were the "Children" my has time passed.
Tom Mold, NY
Crystal Nye (left) and Crystal Herman making tree decorating a joyful time.
Joy for all at a Church picnic in September at Upper Buttermilk Falls.
Christmas 2010
Last time to the Chemung County Fair. Jane loved the Fair all her life.
Daisy served God as Jane's full time companion.
Jane and her dog Brandy. Brandy would ride in the backseat sitting up tall and facing forward when they went places. It was really cute to see.
To see the Obituary on the James D. Barrett Funeral Home page Click Here.
All arrangements were handled by the James D. Barrett Funeral Home & Cremations. We highly recommend the Barrett Funeral Home. Click on the picture below to visit their web site.
SEE THE ENTIRE WORSHIP SERVICE OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR JANE. CLICK HERE.
Read and print the worship bulletin with all the prayers and readings. CLICK HERE.
Jane often surprised us with how alert she actually was right to the end of her last day with us. Here I was so surprised when I placed a bell in her hand she started shaking my hand and the bell at just the refrain of the singing of the Glory To God. She started and stopped for each refrain. It was moments like this where I knew she was in the Monastery with us for a reason. We are blessed to have these memories. To see the short vide clip Click Here.
Jane and Michael dancing at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
Jane, Michael, and Justin at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
My mother, Jane, danced with me at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
Jane, Michael, Justin, and Christina at the Stonewall Inn in New York City for Gay Pride.
Crystal found this picture of Jane rejoicing to have a pumpkin for the season of Fall. Thank you, Crystal
Crystal and Dee with Jane. Jane loved all the people who worked with her as Personal Assistants and Aides.
Tara, one of the Personal Assistants with Jane.
Jane enjoyed a "particular friendship" with her pet bird, Penolope. This picture is from October 1, 2017. Jane passed on October 1, 2019. After Jane's body was taken out of the monastery, Penolope sat on her pillow for about three days before we finally took down the bed. Penelope was a really good friend to Jane.
Jane receives Holy Communion during Corpus Christi 2018.
