April 27, 1949 – April 11, 2026
With heavy hearts, Jane Marie Germano, 76, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, surrounded by friends and family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. What an impact and story to share.
Jane to most—and Marie to her father and mother, Peter and Jane Cudlin, and siblings—was born in Ithaca, New York, on April 27, 1949. As a firstborn daughter she had a plan and passion for life’s possibilities.
While studying for a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University, Jane met Lieutenant Colonel Geoffry Germano who was in Florida working for the United States Air Force. Geoff and Jane were partners in every sense of the word and arguably each person’s biggest blessings.
They married on May 23, 1973, in Daytona Beach and began a lifetime of love, laughter and adventure. Together they globally traveled to Germany, England, and finally planted seeds in Colorado Springs, with each move and adventure shaping the story of two people deeply devoted to one another and making an impact.
This impact was ultimately shown through Jane’s calling to teach. Her calm presence, patience and joy in watching children learn made her a beloved teacher everywhere she went. After her master’s degree, her ultimate impact was started with Geoff at her side in the form of Young Scholars Academy. In 1995, Young Scholars Academy (YSA) was opened as an intentional learning program geared to infants through adolescents. What first began as just a dream truly transformed into an impactful, community-focused small business that continues to impact young children and their families even after her death.
Though she didn’t have children of her own, Jane helped to raise a generation of strong teachers, independent and kind children. Her kindness shaped lives and impacted more than her reach knew.
Jane is survived by her sister, Karen Wittman (Joe) of Kansas City, Kansas; as well as her nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends who became family up until her last moments. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Geoff (2012); her parents, Jane and Peter; as well as her brother, Charles Cudlin.
A Catholic Mass celebrating Jane’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1830 S. Corona Ave., Colorado Springs, CO. Jane will be laid to rest beside her partner, Geoff, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
In honor of Jane’s giving spirit, donations may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, the American Heart Association and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
My sincere condolences to Karen and her family as well as Marie’s many friends. Marie will definitely be missed….may your wonderful memories of her keep her close to your heart….
Love your cousin
JoAnn LaPadula
enjoyed all the adventuresome game nights over the years. glad she could come to Christmas and kellens wedding as well. I believe she enjoyed it all
I have always treasured our years of friendship. Rarely there were tears, but we had a bounty of joy and laughter. I miss you and choose to hold on to the joy we created and shared. Our faith assures us that we see each other in heaven.
Jane Marie was a joy to be around. Our extended Wittman-Collins family enjoyed having her join some of our gatherings over the years. She will definitely be fondly remembered. May she rest in peace.