Jane Elizabeth Schoeler Scotti, a longtime resident of Rye, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home on Cape Cod, Mass.
Born in Yonkers, N.Y., Jane was the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth Schoeler. She was raised in Pelham, N.Y., and attended Pelham Memorial High School, where she distinguished herself as both a scholar and a decorated three-sport athlete.
A gifted student-athlete, Jane attended New England University and New York University. During her college years, she began a successful career as a fashion model in New York, a profession she pursued for several decades. In addition to modeling, Jane worked as a legal assistant and an invaluable assistant at American Home Products.
It was during an early high school assembly, while seated alphabetically, that Jane first met the young man who would later become the love of her life and her devoted husband, Gavin Scotti. Jane and Gavin were married in July 1963, and built a life grounded in love, partnership, and unwavering devotion. They shared more than 63 wonderful years of marriage. Jane remained the bedrock of her family.
In 1975, Jane and Gavin moved to Rye to raise their three children. Jane quickly became a beloved and active member of the community. A lifelong member of the Westchester Country Club, she was an avid tennis player and golfer. Always on the move, she generously devoted her time to numerous charitable, civic, and religious organizations.
Jane was deeply committed to the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison and the Rye Twig organization. She was also closely involved with the Carver Center in Port Chester, United Hospital, and the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, where she taught CCD and remained a devoted parishioner for more than 50 years.
Jane’s life was filled with many passions, but nothing brought her greater joy than her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She rarely missed an event; Jane and Gavin could often be found traveling across state lines in a single day to support and cheer on their loved ones. During her sons’ high school and college years, she was affectionately known as “Mrs. Scott” at basketball courts throughout Westchester and the five boroughs. It was no secret that Jane was, by far, the best athlete in a very athletic family.
Jane is survived by her devoted husband, Gavin A. Scotti of Rye; her children, Gavin Jr. of Greenwich, Conn., Christopher and his wife, Jane, of Bronxville, N.Y., and Mary Elizabeth, and her husband, Brendan Toulouse, of Rye. Jane was the cherished grandmother of ten incredible grandchildren: Kendra, Caroline, Meagan, Olivia, Gavin III, Marguerite, the late Maxwell, Christopher Jr., Annie, and Connor.
Jane leaves behind her sister-in-law, Francis Harrison of Rye Brook, and her late brother-in-law Edgar Harrison. She was predeceased by her brother William Schoeler. Her surviving siblings include her sister Phyllis and husband Roger Perso, her brother Hank and wife Nancy Schoeler, William Schoeler’s wife Dossie, countless adoring nieces and nephews; and a remarkable circle of friends who became family.
The Scotti family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary family members, friends, and caregivers who supported Jane throughout her courageous journey.
Jane will be remembered for her strength, elegance, boundless energy, competitive spirit, generosity, and deep devotion to those she loved. Her greatest legacy is the close and loving family she and Gavin built together.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Sept. 15, 2026, at Resurrection Church in Rye. The family encouraged everyone to wear colorful attire in remembrance of how Jane lived her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to, consider donating to the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone in honor of her grandson, Maxwell Scotti.
