SPCA Remembers Ossining Bicyclist Killed in Briarcliff

Remembered for her "smiling face" and "gentle soul," Ossining's Jane Shakman was a familiar presence at Briarcliff Manor's non-profit .

"She was such a wonderful woman," said Lisa Bonanno, SPCA's development manager.

Bonanno said Shakman has been a frequent volunteer at the North State Road facility for the past few years.

"She has been here at least two to three times a week," she said. "She did so many things."

Shakman's duties at the no-kill shelter included greeting people, walking dogs and administrative duties.

"She had a real soft spot for a couple of our senior dogs," Bonanno said. "She would never come here and not take out her few dogs, make sure they got a good walk and play with and pet them...she would have taken them all home if she could."

To learn more about Shakman's favorite SPCA senior dogs, click here to find out more about Leo the Beagle and  (both pictured to the right).

Shakman, 62, died in the overnight hours Sunday, according to . She was riding her bicycle on Chappaqua Road at the intersection of Tappan Terrace.

The driver of the vehicle for driving with a suspended NY license .

Several people commented about Shakman on the SPCA's Facebook page.

"I will miss Jane's smiling face on weekends," wrote Patti Caragine. "She was a friend to the families that came to adopt, her fellow volunteers, and most importantly her furry friends that always greeted her with a big tail wag. Jane...you made a difference and will be greatly missed."

Barbara Mangione, who said she has known Shakman "these last couple of years," wrote that the volunteer and avid bicycler was "a remarkable woman and a gentle soul who loved the work she did at the shelter."

Continued Mangione, "Jane's dedication to all the shelter dogs was an inspiration to me. I will never forget her smiling face as she greeted potential adopters. My prayers go out to her family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jane."

Bonanno told Patch Shakman had been in the shelter one day before she was hit was hit by a car.

"It came as a shock because she came here on Saturday and did greetings," Bonanno said. "She has been a bicyclist for years—her and her husband [bicycled] together. When it was nice out, she would ride her bike here."

Bonanno and other SPCA staff members and volunteers plan to attend Shakman's wake on Friday. She also said the shelter has "received a ton of donations in her memory for people around Westchester who knew her and her friends and family."

"I don't think I ever didn't see her smiling anytime she was here," Bonanno said. "She is going to be missed by the animals; she is going to be missed by everyone here."

A wake for Shakman will be held on Friday at  at 12 p.m.

How do you remember Jane Shakman? Share your sentiments in the comments below.