Jane Louise Peterson

Jane Peterson passed away peacefully with her loving family surrounding her at home on March 2, 2026. She was an angel placed on earth to make all others happy. One will never meet anyone as selfless as Jane. She was a kind soul who shared her heart without question. Her generosity to her friends and family was endless.
Jane grew up in Martinez across from the Martinez Water Treatment Plant where her father, Alexander Peterson, was superintendent. Her mom, Grace, was an avid artist, cook, seamstress and gardener and passed these talents on to her daughter. Jane became an amazing gardener and chef in her own right who could serve a party of twenty with everything still served hot! She helped her parents build a cabin in the Sierras by hauling pipe up the mountainside and then enjoyed many summers of fun there with family. There were epic Horseshoes battles, board game marathons and card tournaments. She would still hike up the mountain to maintain this lovely cabin well into her late 60’s.
Jane went to Alhambra High School in Martinez along with her dear brother Arthur Peterson. They remained very close through the years until his death in 2009. Jane graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Education. She shared her time and knowledge as an accomplished elementary school teacher. She started teaching in Alamo, CA in 1958 after she married Glenn Lane. The couple moved to Muir Oaks in Martinez and started a family. Jane put her teaching career on hold to raise their children and was the quintessential, awesome Mom. She made sure her kids had every opportunity and supported any of their interests from ice skating lessons to teaching them on the piano. She was always there at the swim meets cheering them on at the end of the lane or running along the poolside during the meets. Jane was there with us through all the illnesses throughout the years including when cancer was a challenge for her daughter. She made sure her children had a very supportive environment at home and throughout their lives and she facilitated the pursuit of the careers they had always dreamed of by instilling confidence and building their determination and drive. We always knew she had our backs.
Jane returned to teaching Elementary School after her divorce in 1981 and moved to Benicia, then joined the Benicia School District. She loved her job teaching 4th graders and it showed. Her family would always smile when one of her adoring past pupils would approach her in the grocery store and thank her for being their “favorite teacher”. She would often run into the parents of her students and in years later those same students and their children. Jane remained in teaching for 33 years. As recently as three weeks before her passing she was thanked by a nurse in the hospital whose son became a Middle School teacher because of her. Mom just smiled when this nurse beamed about how Jane had inspired her son to become a teacher when he was in her class many years ago.
She was an excellent writer and this was apparent when the school Matthew Turner Elementary in Benicia was awarded several grants for which she had completed the applications. She was able to help build a computer lab at her school and to get a weather station for the kids as examples. She loved to teach and motivate the kids in the arts and would even put on full stage plays and accompany the kids on the piano.
As a natural nurturer, Jane connected with people of all ages. She taught ceramics and china painting classes out of her home in Martinez. With her artistic talents and entrepreneurial skills, these classes became a successful business - Ceramiarts, with full sessions for several years. She taught her children to assist her with the kiln firings to instill responsibility and allow involvement in the business. Many of her finished pieces are still on display in their homes as these works are beautiful and timeless. She donated her time as well with charitable classes in nursing homes and children’s programs.
Jane never tired of expanding her knowledge of different arts. Later in life she became a jewelry maker and specialized in Peyote design. She made seasonal bracelets and necklaces for family and they are cherished today. Her interest then grew in sewing and quilting. Jane joined a quilting group in Benicia and made many new friends whom she adored. She made table runners and gorgeous bedspread quilts keeping the favorite animals and scenes of her kids, grandkids and friends in mind.
Jane is survived by her daughter Alexis Lane, and her son Randy Lane. She also leaves behind three wonderful grandchildren whom she adored, Spencer Lane Irby, Melinda Lane and Evan Lane. Roberta, her beloved friend of 40 years was so very special to her. She was her inseparable companion and will miss their walks together, playing music and tending the beautiful gardens. She is also survived by her niece Teri Peterson and nephew Greg Peterson who were very helpful to her over many years. Her very close family shared many decades of joyful moments through family celebrations and memorable stellar vacations together.
Jane will be remembered for her warm smile, generosity, positivity and her kind and giving spirit. She was so very special to so many people as she shared her heart so very willingly. She gave so much to so many. She had many friends, touched many lives and will be missed immensely. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in honor of this amazing woman and it will be announced early this summer. Donations may be made in Jane Peterson’s name to one of the following programs or to the charity of your choice.
Mom, I am honored to be your daughter and will try to emulate your spirit as best I can. What an amazing legacy you, our hero, leave with us. We were so lucky to have shared time with you on this earth. You will be forever in our hearts. XOXOXO, Alexis.

Donorchoose.org - Promoting art in schools-art back in the classroom.
Marine Life Studies - PO Box 163, Moss Landing, CA 95039
The Marine Mammal Center - MarineMammalCenter.org