Jane Frances Klinge

1939 - 2024

Jane Frances Klinge passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024 surrounded by lifelong friends. Jane was born to Gertrude and Charles Klinge and raised in Oak Park, Illinois with her two sisters, Mary and Rita. She spoke fondly of their family dogs, Duke and Lance. She attended Holy Cross College and after graduation, decided to join the Cenacle in Warrenville, Illinois, as part of the Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

She then moved west to the San Francisco Bay Area where she became a special education teacher for the San Bruno Park School District. She loved working with children and was well-respected in her field. While teaching, she also earned her Master of Education at San Francisco State University. Jane was fiercely independent and enjoyed being a lifelong learner.

For over 30 years, Jane lived in San Mateo, CA. She was an avid reader and world traveler. One of her favorite trips was to Israel with Rita and her church group. She spent many summers in Lake Tahoe with her dear friends, Herman and Mitzi Novinsky and their 3 daughters. She loved going to Twain Hearte with Don and Diana Wright and their 3 children. Jane's two sisters and niece would meet in Las Vegas, every year, where they would enjoy gambling and seeing the latest shows. Jane was ahead of her time, as she was a yoga fan way before it became popular. She studied the health benefits of vitamins back in the 1970s, and believed in the teachings of EST, founded by Werner Erhard. Up until her passing, she was a big believer in chiropractic care and Chinese medicine.
Jane was very generous with friends and family. Material things were of no value to Jane. She walked to Starbucks every morning for her cup of coffee and would never pass a homeless person without giving them money.

Jane never wanted children of her own, however, she became a an integral part of Laurie, Lisa, and Andrea Novinsky's lives. She attended all of their recitals, sports events and birthday parties. In the 90s, she bonded with Don and Diana's children Ben, Tony and Danielle. Jane was also a big part of the next generation as the Novinsky girls and Wright kids had their children. She didn't want to be called Aunt Jane, but they all loved her just the same. More recently, when Jane moved to Winding Commons in Carmichael, she loved sharing happy hour on Wednesdays with Don and Diana, along with her best friend and co-resident, Joan Coulat.

Jane will be greatly missed for her strong spirit and generous soul. She lived the life she wanted, up until the very end. At her bedside, she was surrounded by many of her closest friends. She shared her final thoughts and wishes, sprinkled with both laughter and tears, as only Jane could.

A mass will be held in January at Saint John the Evangelist in Carmichael, CA. In lieu of flowers, Jane requests donations be made to: Women's Empowerment of Sacramento 1590 N. A Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 (916) 669-2307 or to Sister Libby with Mercy Pedalers, 2419 L Street #6 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 879-5581.