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BORN
1940
DIED
2019
Jane Smiley Obituary
Jane found the love of her life in Les Smiley and together they built a home filled with love and happiness that was generously shared with all. Jane shared her beautiful smile and open heart with everyone she would meet. Her compassion and understanding made her a best friend to all. She took pride in being the matriarch of her large Alaskan family and established many special traditions, including her Christmas dinner auction, July 4th in Seward, and Fridays at Gallo's. Jane was proud of her family and never missed an opportunity to cheer at an event. Jane enjoyed world travels, but was happiest on the family's farmhouse porch, visiting with family and friends.
Jane is lovingly remembered by husband, Les; siblings, Betty, Tom, Joe and Mary; children, Mark (Nancy) Denney, Terri (Dirk) Brodish, Patrick (Nit) Denney, James Denney (Michelle) and Lisa Smiley; stepchildren, Denise Lowe and Slade Smiley; grandchildren, Logan, Hayley, Thair, Colin, Grace, Milena, Chase, Payden, Gavin, Grayson, Natasha and Scott; and great-grandchildren, Owen, Jenaka and MaKayela. She will be forever missed by family, dear friends and neighbors.
On June 8, 2019, from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., we will Celebrate Jane's Life at Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2824 East 18th Avenue. Please join us to celebrate a wonderful wife, mother, sister, friend and neighbor. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jane's name to Planned Parenthood of Alaska or bring a story to share about Jane.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jane Smiley
Janie Evanson Henderson
May 29, 2020
Still missing sweet, wonderful Jane.
June 16, 2019
Have recently learned of Jane's passing; she and Les were such very good neighbors and a wonderful part of life in our neighborhood! I count it a blessing to have shared the trail for awhile.
Jan Sherwood
Kenai, AK
Moira Van Alstine
June 9, 2019
I will be missing Jane Smiley, my friend. I am so sorry to her family for their loss, and our neighborhood truly lost a dear person. Jane made each person feel that she was listening and cared for them. We often met on the street and at our homes and chatted and laughed about everything. She met my Irish relatives and my sister and we were immediately laughing together as she connected with them. What a funny, wonderful woman your mom was and she shared it well with so many. I am grateful, and when I work in my yard and see the Spring and Summer bloom in Alaska I am remembering just what she would say and how pleased she would be to know everyone remembers those sweet moments.
jeff colwell
June 7, 2019
so sorry to hear of janes passing. I worked with her at sand lake and she always had a smile for her coworkers and customers. she will be missed
CT
June 6, 2019
Our condolences to the family. May you find comfort in your treasured memories and in God's promise to return your loved one who passed away in death....1st Thessalonians 4:13-14
The Henderson Clan ~ Janie, Grant, Zak Decker, Danis, Kierian, and Gavin
June 3, 2019
What sadness. Jane was a most wonderfully kind, gracious and loving neighbor. I don't believe I ever saw her without a smile on her face. She will be missed by so many. (((Hugs))) to all.
June 3, 2019
Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1.
Earnie Ray
June 3, 2019
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return your loved ones who passed away in death . 1 Thessalonians 4 : 13 14
June 2, 2019
Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1.
June 1, 2019
My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May your cherished memories created, brighten your days and help sustain you at this time. John 6:40 gives much comfort by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your love one again
Shelia
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Memorial Events
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How to support Jane's loved ones
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