Jane B. Leton

Jane Leton passed away Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, surrounded by her loving family, at the home of her daughter, Jane was born in June 1923 in Canajoharie, N.Y., the only child of Webster and Madeline Bierman. She attended Canajoharie High School, graduated with honors and attended Skidmore College on a scholarship. She aspired to become an archaeologist or a doctor, but graduated in 1944 with a bachelor''s degree in Nursing - it was the career into which she was counseled because she was a woman. Jane worked initially at Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan and taught Pediatric Nursing during the War. She told stories about air raid sirens and rolling blackouts within the city. In 1956, she moved to Los Angeles and worked as a school nurse first at Lakeview Elementary School and then later at El Segundo High School. This is where she met her husband-to-be, Donald, who worked at UCLA as an Associate Professor and El Segundo High School as a school psychologist. They married in 1957 and had their only child, Renee, shortly thereafter. While continuing to work as a school nurse as well as raising her daughter, Jane completed her master''s degree in Public Health at UCLA. In 1963, the family grew with the addition of her Donald''s two sons, and they moved to Hawaii. Jane began her career at the University of Hawaii as a nursing instructor while taking on the new role as a mother of two teenaged boys. She helped with homework, attended basketball games and wholeheartedly supported their endeavors. In 1970, Jane became the Assistant Dean for the School of Nursing and took over the duties of Academic Advisor and Counselor. This position fit her like a glove. All of her students universally loved her. She listened, supported and always had an open door and available time - she retired from the University of Hawaii in 1985. Jane traveled extensively and circumnavigated the globe in 1969. She enjoyed exciting adventures in distant places, both with family as well as solo. She traveled across the United States frequently, as well as to Fiji, Mexico, Belize, Australia, South America, Puerto Rico, Russia and finally to Alaska just three years ago. Her diary of her trip around the world will be cherished always. With the birth of her three grandchildren, Jane moved to Atascadero in 1994 at the request of her daughter. "Mama Jane" was vital in their lives and no one would have survived without her presence. She attended athletic and school functions enthusiastically and made time to make each grandchild to feel special. She was not only integrally involved in their lives, but also had the time and opportunity to join AAUW, and also involve herself as a board member with the Atascadero Friends of the Library and Charles Paddock Zoo. Jane contributed countless hours to the Atascadero Wine Festival for a number of years. While engaged in these volunteer activities she met the best friends of her life. Her social calendar was filled with lunches, coffee dates, book club meetings and local day trips. Jane was the epitome of grace and humility. She always made time for her family and friends, frequently placing the needs of others above her own. She listened more than talked and advised only if asked. These qualities made her the incredibly wonderful mother, grandmother and friend that she was. She was loved. She will continue to be cherished by those she left behind, as there are no words to express the depth of this loss. Jane is survived by her husband of 54 years, Donald; daughter, Renee and her husband, Steve Robinson; grandchildren Lauren, Patrick and Sean; stepchildren Rick, Ray and Diane; and their children and grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at the home of her daughter, Renee. For details, please call (805) 801-0203. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Charles Paddock Zoo or the Atascadero Friends of the Library.