February 16, 1948 -
January 23, 2018

Jane Sterett, 69, of Rancho Mirage, California passed away peacefully on January 23, 2018 after a 20 year battle with metastatic breast cancer.

She was born on February 16, 1948 to James and Ruth Hezlep in Pasadena, California.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Barry, daughters Maggie Campbell (Adam) and Allison Sterett, and grandsons Drew and Brady Campbell, all of Encinitas, California. Other survivors include a brother, James Hezlep (Joanne) of Montecito, California and a sister Virginia Wilcott (Scott) of San Marino, California.

Jane graduated from Pasadena High School in 1966, and San Diego State University in 1970, where she met Barry.

Jane's love of children led her back to school for a teaching credential, and she began a career in elementary education, primarily as a kindergarten teacher. She retired from teaching in 2003.

Jane and Barry lived and raised their daughters in Eugene, Oregon before moving to Rancho Mirage in 2003. It didn't take long for Jane to develop a love for life in the desert and develop many friendships.

Jane was active in her church, a member of several breast cancer support groups, and enjoyed volunteering as much as health issues would allow. In her later life, walking and water aerobics gave way to more reading and writing. Jane was the proud author of Gifts Galore, her book full of ideas for things to do for people going through illness. Jane came up with the idea after being the recipient of countless acts of kindness.

Jane's greatest joy was her family and friends. She was an inspiration to many for her incredible inner strength, determination and positive outlook.

Services will be held Friday, March 2nd, at 2:00 PM at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47321 Hwy 74, Palm Desert, California, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane's name may be made to the Susan G Komen Foundation to support Stage IV/metastatic breast cancer research at the following link: https://ww5.komen.org/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Feb. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane Sterett

8 Entries

February 6, 2018

Such inspiration, dedication, and visible love of life, family and God. I remember Barry saying years ago if the time came he would quit working to care for Jane full time. Both of them were so lucky to have one another! Always there for each other. She will be missed until you meet again in a happy reunion.

February 6, 2018

Neighborly remembrances of the Steretts and sad condolences for loss of courageous Jane, from the McKerns.

Pat Kessinger

February 4, 2018

Barry, Maggie and Alison, I hope your happy memories help to ease some of the sadness of missing her.
Some of of my memories: Jane was the mom who planned wonderful art projects when she hosted playgroup, but never complained when I just let the kids run around. She was the preschool teacher who corrected Andy's three year old gender expectations that boys (like grampa, dad, and self) were left handed and always had to sit on the other side of the table from right handed girls (like Gramma, mom and sister). She was the calm, tactful voice on our Junior League's Executive committee. She was the person who planned school bulletin boards on a Christmas shopping trip to Portland--and said she couldn't believe how lucky she was that coloring and cutting were part of her job. She's also a person who left the world a better place than she found it--and will be missed.

Donna Wininger

February 4, 2018

My deepest sympathy to Jane's family. She was my son's teacher at Fairfield Elementary. He always enjoyed her class. She did love those kids. Thank you for helping shape the lives of our children! God bless you.

February 3, 2018

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1

Carol Hoff

February 3, 2018

Jane was a sweet sweet soul with a warrior spirit. She was a giver, kind to all, and loved her family very much. She attended a bible study in my home and was very keen on learning what authentic Christianity was. When she was diagnosed with cancer, I remember her saying to our group, "Just pray I get to live to see my grandkids.!" Well, she did a lot of living after she was diagnosed due to her positive attitude, warrior spirit, support from a loving husband & daughters, and faith in God. Twenty years later she is well, healthy, whole and dancing in the streets of heaven! The earth has lost a wonderful woman, but heaven has gained an angel! Love to all the family from Jim & Carol Hoff & family. We morn the loss of this great woman!

Laura

February 3, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

February 3, 2018

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1.

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