Jane Coale Shaar

I met Jane in Marquette MI in 1965. We connected immediately as we were both arty, both newly pregnant (with daughters) and both our husbands were beginning professors at Northern Michigan University - and each played the cello! After they left MI we visited homes in Chicago, Pennsylvania and Michigan and in summer cottages in Wisconsin and on the New Jersey Shore.
Jane was artistic, independent, straightforward, a woman with great taste and spirit. She was a strong force in my daughter's growing up and her daughters have been her life long friends. Although we only lived in the same location for a few years we have always been a solid part of each other's lives. I have her art in my house, her hand sewn holiday napkins on my table at Christmas and my adventures with her in my heart. My love goes to Gretchen and Rachel, who sadly have lost both parents within such a short time.

I was the elementary principal and a teacher at Little Flower Catholic School, the school Jane donated her time to in Minot, ND. My own kids were in Jane's Art classes there. Upon hearing of Mrs.Shaar's passing, they shared their memories of Jane having the kids paint the floor-to- ceiling windows facing the street on one side of the school ( gloriously colorful!), of being free to do art with abandon, and of being the proud recipients of an invitation to a pool party at Mrs.Shaar's house after their first communions! A classmate, now a graphic artist in NYC, shared Mrs. Shaar is the reason she pursued Art as a career.
Jane was a fun, warm, generous, inspirational woman who touched all she came to know. Rest in peace, my friend. Condolences to her family.

Jane, wow — what a beautiful, unforgettable person. She was my first art teacher at Little Flower School in Minot, and threw open the doors to creativity for me. Her passion for art and education illuminated my little world and I can still recall her lessons on Matisse, Van Gogh, and O’Keeffe. I immersed myself in her classes and they remain lifelong, joyful memories of dunking brushes in paint and water, the rare permission to be messy and create. Jane fostered that exploration and I am so thankful our lives intersected. One of her boat paintings hangs in my family’s home, a lovely reminder. Solace and warmth to her family, and eternal memories of this graceful, inspiring woman.

Jane and Erik were about the first people we met when we moved down here in 2011. They were friendly and lovely and interesting! We will miss seeing her and Luna.

To the Shaar Family,

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. & Jane Shaar while at Minot State University for over 9 years as Dr. Shaar's administrative assistant after Marge retired. Both were wonderful people, and I have missed them since they left ND. Dr. Shaar was a gentle soul; Jane was a force that he needed in his life, and I enjoyed both of their personalities. Many times, when they would travel to see you girls, I managed the plants at their home (always being careful to not fall in the pool since I don't swim). He loved taking the train to WA, working on his Christmas letters while riding the train. Jane loved the Taube Art Museum; I treasure the pieces I have from her and always appreciated her work.

May all of you feel peace now that your parents/grandparents have left this Earth. They left a mark and will be remembered!

Cassie Artz Loard
Minot, ND

Jane was a wonderful client, neighbor, and, ultimately, friend. She was unique and down-to-earth; a truly lovely human. She will be missed and remembered fondly, always.

Jane was a special part of our turtle family! We will miss her dearly!

I am so sad to hear about Jane's passing. I worked with Jane at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and met her on my second day at the hospital when we talked in the break room about her life in North Dakota and art. We chatted nearly every week in the back of the hospital and in the gift store and I was always in awe over how lovely, tough and her timelessly beautiful she was. Our conversations covered everything, from boat paintings, to Mohawk culture and the passing of our loved ones last year. We somehow always found our way back to life, beauty and prayer. I know was welcomed into heaven with many people waiting, but we will miss her here. Sending love and light to her on her next journey and to her family. Montana Stone and Miles Liu