An influential Capital Region woman is being remembered as a trailblazer in business and philanthropy.
Businesswoman/civic Leader/philanthropist Jane Golub died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where she had been vacationing with her husband Neil Golub. The 80-year old known for her work with Schenectady’s Price Chopper Supermarkets and the Golub Corporation fought against intolerance across the region.
Golub and her husband were involved with many non-profit groups and participated in countless charitable endeavors in the Capital Region, often partnering with WRGB-TV for telethons and other events. CBS6 anchor Liz Bishop: "I was always struck by how much life and vitality Jane packed into her tiny frame. We worked on projects together probably for close to 30 years and I never heard Jane be anything other than positive and upbeat. She was enthusiastic and Incredibly compassionate. She was one of those rare people who found the best way to enjoy life was to give back to others. Someone who would hold your hand and look you right in the eye when she was talking to you to make you feel like there was no one else she'd rather be with. She packed so much life and to her four foot eleven inches. I was so proud and honored to call Jane my friend."
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy: "Her 20 years as a schoolteacher, and then her second career in the Price Chopper organization, but most importantly her work she did in the community. From the anti-bullying, to different leagues she started to combat a variety of issues from economic disparities to encouraging people and helping them. She's done it all and it's a sad moment here in Albany County of her passing, because of the work she's done, but also, I take in pride in knowing the work that's going to be continued in her memory going forward."
Niskayuna Supervisor Yasmine Syed says Town Hall flags were lowered to half-staff in Golub’s honor. "Her experience as a beloved third grade teacher in Niskayuna led to her to form 'A World Of Difference' and 'No Place For hate' programs targeting school bullying. She was a champion for women's health and the health of our community."
Syed says without Golub's generosity Bellvue Women's Center in Niskayuna wouldn't be the important center that it is today.
Golub loved the game of golf and encouraged Syed to take up the sport. "I bought my set of clubs. I'm excited to go out there on the golf course, and I will always think of her for taking the time to encourage me to do that."
Rabbi Matt Cutler of Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady says Golub was an icon who gave her heart and soul to the community. "Her commitment to education, to health, to eliminating prejudices and racism and bullying were paramount. But one of Jane's most incredible gifts was the ability to treat each individual as a person. No matter where you are, when you encountered Jane she was able to tune out the world around her and give you her undivided attention. Whatever you were engaged in was of utmost importance to her, and what was going on in your life was very important. This is a woman who is more than a philanthropist, a social justice advocate, an educator. This was one of the kindest, nicest women you could ever meet. And you know you can't talk about Jane without talking about Neil because of 55 years they were partners. You've never seen a marriage work as beautifully and amazingly well as the two of them together. They were quite the team."
Cutler says Golub’s funeral service will be Tuesday at Temple Gates of Heaven Synagogue in Schenectady.
