Jane Anne Patton

Jane Lichtenberger Patton of La Mesa, California died peacefully in her home on February 20, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1934, Jane graduated from Mercy High School and went on to attend Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. She devoted her life to public education as a teacher and music educator. She was a professional singer, actress, and published author.

Jane Anne Lichtenberger married Jim Patton in 1958, and they built a life around family, music, and community. The couple were both musicians and performed together for over 25 years. They had six children that they raised amid love and music, and each one joined the family band as the years went on. When her husband was killed tragically in a car accident at 49, Jane took on the role of "hero" going on to provide the life for her children that she and her husband began. Throughout that life, she went on to create experiences and memories for all those she loved.

Jane was a devoted family woman, and her favorite times were spent with a houseful of grandkids, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was never happier than when everyone was singing, playacting, cooking, and eating! Jane Patton is survived by five of six children after losing her eldest son, John, to leukemia in 2020.

No one was a stranger to Jane Patton. She was an engaging conversationalist who always had a story to tell. Jane could find commonalities with anyone. Whether the bank teller, the hair stylist, or the fellow shopper, she never met a stranger and could make one feel as if they had known each other for years. She was bringing people together and making them laugh until her final days.

A celebration of life will be held on April 25, 2026, what would have been her 92nd birthday. Please email or call MC Patton (mcpatton61@hotmail.com, 619-315-5754) for more information.