Jane Elizabeth Hanigan

1923 - 2023

Jane Elizabeth Hanigan, born in Ludlow, Massachusetts, October 14, 1923, passed away peacefully at her home in Redwood City, California on November 17, 2023, surrounded by those who loved, cared for, and admired her. Jane lived a long, full life, defined by a combination of strength, determination, passion for education, empathy for others, and a sharp wit.Jane's parents, William J. Hanigan and Mary Agnes Donnelly, as well as her five older siblings, Bill (William J. Hanigan, Jr.), Mae (Mary A. Welch), Frank (Frances T. Hanigan), Dottie (Dorothy Hanigan Simon), and Tom (Thomas J. Hanigan) have all pre-deceased her. She leaves behind scores of nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and second cousins in whose lives she took great interest. She also leaves behind stepsons John Pflug and Charles (Sandy) Plfug but is sadly pre-deceased by Leslie Scott (Pflug).Following World War II, Jane met Abigail Leary, mother of Timothy Leary, later famous for his maxim "turn off, tune in and drop out." Abigail, Jane's supervisor at a lab in Springfield, strongly encouraged Jane to expand her horizons and go out west to U.C. Berkeley which had post-war openings for applications. In 1950, after much persuading from Abigail, who remained an influential and supportive friend, Jane arrived in Berkeley chaperoned by Dorothy. Higher education opened the world's doors for Jane (English Literature) and Dorothy (costume design). They had new experiences, maintained a wide circle of friends and, in their telling, had loads of fun. At one point, Dorothy quit her dreams of art school and worked full-time at a local department store so that her sister, who could not work and attend school, could continue her education. With one credit short to graduate, she (not an athlete) took an archery class where she met another lifelong friend, Ella May Trussel who, along with her family, maintained a special friendship with Jane for 70 years.After graduation, Jane began teaching at Stockton High School, where she spent her spare time searching for books that would interest her students and lead them to appreciate reading. Later, Jane moved to Whittier where she taught English at La Habra High School for five years, returning to the Bay Area in 1960 to obtain a master's degree in English at S.F. State University. Thereafter, Jane began a 30-year career at The College of San Mateo as faculty in the Language Arts Division. At CSM, her creativity and passion for literature and learning found expression and flourished. In 1973, Jane, described as a "dynamic English instructor" in CSM historical publications, officially launched the Women's Re-Entry Program, attracting women 25 years and older to return to school. One of the first such programs in the country, it was amazingly successful, boasting 110 students by 1980. Jane also established a "reading lab," another pioneering program, designed to encourage challenged readers as well as students learning to speak and write English. Jane's willingness to listen and help her students achieve what they did not think possible changed many lives. Honoring the occasion of Jane's 100th birthday, Harry Keiley, CALSTRS Board Chair, wrote "[a]s a teacher myself, I understand the important role you played in the development of students.I hope you take pride in knowing that generations of Californians have benefited from your dedication to our profession." Jane married her colleague, Raymond J. Pflug, in 1967. Their 25-year partnership included traveling the world (on sabbatical), entertaining their many friends and colleagues in a salon-like atmosphere, and fully embracing a 1970's lifestyle. For Jane, that meant changes for women leading her to attend numerous conferences, support young artists and develop women's programs. In keeping with that time, Jane and Ray established an "Encounter Group" where twenty or so like-minded scientists, academics, and artists, met weekly at each other's homes to share personal and professional challenges and seek constructive feedback and support. "The Group" eventually disbanded, but Jane and Judy Squier, the only surviving members, shared an enduring friendship based on a love of art and music, and mutual understanding. In the early 1980's, a newborn kitten trapped in a nearby shed ignited another passion in Jane and she began feeding, trapping, spaying, and neutering over one hundred feral cats that appeared increasingly at her door, all of whom she named and cared for. For over 30 years, she was an instrumental member of feral cat groups, including the Feral Cat Co-op of the Peninsula Humane Society and the Feral Cat Network Through this, Jane met a co-advocate, generous and loyal friend, Coette Schmidt. Together, they raised awareness for the humane treatment of feral animals to a new level. Jane retired from teaching in 1992. Following Ray's death in 1993, her creativity flourished again. Without regard for her age, skeptics, conventional restrictions or obstacles, Jane pressed ahead with an unending list of home design and landscaping projects, gradually transforming her property into a rural oasis. Her passion for problem solving and creating beautiful things from nothing led her to say that if she had it to do over again, she would be an interior designer. During this time, Jane and Dorothy became the same dynamic duo as in their Berkeley days, regularly attending the San Francisco Symphony, enjoying outdoor concerts at Stern Grove, becoming members of the Museum of Modern Art, traveling to see relatives, and hosting celebrations for every occasion. When they were not together, they spoke on the phone each night at 9pm, right up to the end of Dorothy's life in 2008. Jane possessed a lifelong interest in politics that only increased in retirement. At her peak, she consumed multiple newspapers every day, as well as political articles and TV programs Jane was an avid supporter of women's rights, the underdog, and equity among races and economic strata. Jane loved a good argument, political or not, as well as provoking one. The argument was never over until she won, and she always won. A wise and empathetic listener, Jane was a magnet for people who were having trouble or needed encouragement or direction. Jane was also incredibly generous. When her niece Carrie (Dorothy's daughter) could not attend law school, Jane gave an eloquent graduation toast that included a promise to finance Carrie's dream of continuing her education which Jane reminded everyone was payback for Dorothy's sacrifice for her own. From the 1930's Great Depression to cars that drive themselves, a larger and fuller life would be hard to find. Jane would want to thank her patient, hardworking caregivers, Tess Chen, Yolanda Carandang, Myla Ilagen, Johnna Joyce and Ethyl Velasco as well as the staff of Vitas Hospice who ensured Jane's comfort and dignity in her final passage. And, finally, Melody Chambers, Jane's trusted companion, protector, house manager and advocate, as well as tireless collaborator on countless home improvement projects for 29 years, is recognized as a model of loyalty and all that a friend should be.Some would say it is counter-intuitive to grieve for a centenarian but there is a feeling of great loss and a void in our hearts that Jane E. Hanigan filled to the brim. In the words of her favorite author, Emily Dickenson: That it will never come again is what makes life sweet. A memorial to celebrate Jane's life is planned for Spring 2024. Contact carrieasimon@yahoo.com for information. And please make any donations in Jane's honor to the Peninsula Humane Society-SPCA, the Democratic Party or candidates, particularly those of the LGBTQ community and women of color.