Jane Laver

Jane Anne Cornwall Laver

1934-2024

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor Jane Anne Cornwall Laver age 90 passed away peacefully at her home the night of December 19. Born on June 12, 1934, in Salt Lake, Jane was the eldest of two daughters born to Sydney Neff Cornwall and Loraine Elizabeth Schrubb Cornwall. The family's guiding light, north star and matriarch, she leaves behind an indelible legacy and an unfillable void. We are forever grateful for her life, abiding love and shining example. Mother's childhood years were idyllic growing up in East Millcreek: a community she loved and called home her entire life. Following graduation from Granite High School in 1952, Jane attended the University of Utah. After marrying in 1953, she gave birth to a daughter and two sons. For most of her children's upbringing Jane was a single mother working tirelessly to provide her family stability and unwavering support. She extended the same care to her grandchildren. In addition Jane was a mother and grandmother to the family of Jim Knight, her partner of 43 years. Jane's various employment over the years included legal secretary, title examiner and escrow officer at First Security Title which led to a lifelong interest in real estate, manager of the "Knight Club" a nightclub in Sugarhouse in the 1970's, and as a waitress at the Hawaiian and King Quong restaurants. She found the time to volunteer as a member of the Salt Lake Jaycees. Mother was an astute money manager who could stretch a dollar. She was generous to a fault with family and friends and the last one to spend money on herself. She managed to acquire rental property on a tight budget through careful money management and was adept at finding homes with good valuation and location for friends and family members. Jane enriched her unconventional life by pursuing many interests. She loved horses: from going to the chariot races in Pocatello, Idaho, watching the Triple Crown on television and even owning and stabling a horse for a time. She invested in the stock market for many years, starting out by trading in penny stocks by following the ticker at J.A. Hogle Investment Company long before the personal computer existed. She was a charter member of an investment club, "Primetime Investors" which she belonged to for 25 years. Jane cherished playing bridge with good friends. She relished the intellectual stimulation and friendships made from her 26-year Daria book club membership serving one year as President. She was an avid attendee of Pioneer Memorial Theatre for three decades. She regularly viewed sporting events, especially, the Utah Jazz, the NFL and University of Utah football. Taking after her father, Jane was an avid gardener and spent many hours laboring in her beautiful yard. She furthered her interest in horticulture by completing the Master Gardener program offered by Utah State University. Mother faced life's travails and challenges with courage and, steadfast optimism always viewing the glass as being half full. She often said, "I am the luckiest person alive." We shall sorely miss her every day. Dearest Jane: "May flights of angels take thee to thy rest."

Predeceased by her parents, her daughter Sydney, her former husband Clinton, and her partner Jim. Survived by her sons: Brad(John) , Barr(Cindy); Grandsons Cayse(Hanna), Nicholas; and her sister Barbara Madden. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced this coming spring.