Jane Pomykala

Jane Booth Pomykala of Grand Isle, Vermont, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at the age of 77. She was born on May 8,1948, to Charles Frazier Booth and Jocelyn Bower Booth in Bronxville, New York. After graduating from The University of New Mexico, Jane went on to earn a Master of Education from University of Vermont. She married her husband Robert (Bob) David Pomykala in 1975 in Quogue, New York. They shared 50 beautiful years together side by side.

Jane’s love of nature and teaching began early. As a teenager, she worked and taught at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, cultivating the skills and curiosity that would guide her throughout her life. In Vermont schools, Jane taught children of all ages and abilities, in particular those requiring special needs. Even as the demands of her vegetable farming career grew, Jane maintained her accreditation and found joy in substitute teaching during the off-season.

Jane and Bob began Pomykala Farm in 1977, the very early days of the Vermont farm-to-table movement. Jane was the beating heart of the operation, keeping restaurants supplied and chefs happy with regular deliveries. Jane’s love of flowers was pivotal to the farm’s success; she enjoyed harvesting blooms and crafting bouquets all the way through this past autumn. She found joy in helping customers at the farmers market and home farm stand. Jane was extremely proud to share her farming knowledge with the numerous young people who came every spring to work at Pomykala Farm. Her patience and teachings inspired the next generation of farmers, a legacy that continues to endure.

Keenly focused on community service and public good, Jane was committed to civic life in her town of Grand Isle. She served on the Library Commission, Cemetery Commission, and held Town Juror, 4-H leader, and Justice of the Peace positions. Jane’s desire to help those in need included donating to local food shelves. She was a member of the Grand Isle Rescue Auxiliary, and for 14 years Jane and Bob hosted a Strawberry Social Event on their farm, as a benefit for Grand Isle Rescue.

Jane led a life full of love, family and gratitude. She is survived by her husband, Bob; her sons, Benjamin (Susan) and Jonathan (Rebecca); her granddaughter Margaret to whom she was devoted, and her siblings Courtland, William, and Sally.

A memorial service will be held at Grand Isle Elementary School on April 4, 2026 at 11 a.m. followed by a 12 p.m. reception and lunch for sharing stories and remembrances of Jane. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Jane’s memory to the Grand Isle Rescue and the C.I.D.E.R. organization.

Grand Isle Rescue PO Box 79 Grand Isle, VT 05458

C.I.D.E.R. PO Box 13 South Hero, VT 05486 , or online by clicking here