Jane Holtz Gibbs
11/27/1944 - 12/16/2024
Jane Holtz Gibbs, A Woman Ahead of Her Time, Honored in Memory.
Jane Holtz Gibbs passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Ralph and Rose Holtz, Jane's journey was one of determination, grace, and commitment to making the world a better place. She moved to Philadelphia as a young girl, where she cultivated her deep sense of curiosity and justice. A graduate of Drexel University, Jane met the love of her life, Ronald Gibbs, while in college, beginning a marriage that spanned 58 years of shared adventure, and partnership. Ron and Jane raised their family and enjoyed life in Washington, DC, San Antonio, TX, Denver, CO, and San Francisco, CA.
Jane was always a woman ahead of her time, a passionate advocate for women's reproductive health and political rights long before it was common to be so. Her career began as an educator in the Philadelphia public school system. She held leadership roles in multiple nonprofits, the National Council of Jewish Women, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. As the administrator for the Colorado Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, she collaborated with state legislators to increase access to healthcare and champion life-saving initiatives. Jane's work touched countless lives, but her humility and quiet strength meant she often worked behind the scenes, content to let others take the credit.
While Jane came from humble roots, her innate curiosity inspired her to travel widely. She visited all 50 states, 54 countries and made it to her 7th continent in her final year of life. She was endlessly open to other's perspectives, yet lived with strong values at the center of everything she did.
Jane's life was deeply rooted in her family. She was the ultimate nurturer, a devoted mother, doting grandmother, and selfless wife. She managed everything with an invisible touch, making it all seem effortless. She instilled in her children, Stuart and Suzanne, a fierce independence to do what they loved, balanced with a sense of responsibility to others. Jane's home, and dinner table, welcomed all, from new visitors to town to providing a place for many of her children's friends, with some liking the Gibbs home more than their own homes. She adored her grandchildren, Ciara, Dashiell, and Violet, hosting an annual "Gibbs Camp," where she took them on adventures.
Jane's legacy is one of courage, kindness, and quiet power. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Ronald Gibbs, her brother, David Holtz, her children, Stuart Gibbs and Suzanne Gibbs Howard, her son-in-law, Darragh Howard, and her grandchildren, Ciara Howard, Dashiell and Violet Gibbs.
Her family and friends will gather to celebrate Jane's remarkable life on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at The San Francisco Sequoias, 1400 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109.
If you are looking for a way to celebrate Jane, the family invites you to support some of the causes she worked for: The Ronald & Jane Gibbs Endowed Fund for Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Colorado, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and/or March of Dimes.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 11 to Mar. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane Gibbs

Sponsored by Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha.

4 Entries

Toby Shaffer Shpigel

March 28, 2025

Janie ( as she will be forever known by me) and I were next door neighbors on St Vincent Street growing up in Philadelphia. The Shaffer´s and Holtz´s shared many happy times together. Ralph and Rose were my second parents. My brother, Stephen, and Janie were the same age becoming life long friends.
Even though I´m 7 years younger, Janie always had time for me. I idolized her. She was my babysitter, my sometimes playmate, my confidant, my very first friend. My first time ice skating was with Janie. My first time seeing Rudolf Nureyev perform was with Janie. There are many more firsts too numerous to mention.
When Ronnie entered the picture, I gained another friend. My heart hurts for him and his enormous loss.

Time and circumstances caused us to lose touch, but she was never far from my thoughts and heart. I will miss her forever.
Jane was a true Woman of Valor. May her memory forever be for a blessing.

Todd Miller

March 18, 2025

Jane had a rare quality by today's standards......"Empathy". You could see it in her smile and sometimes rarely in a square jawed frown.
I went to Overbrook High School with Ronald Gibbs. I knew Ronald (called "Ronnie" back then) since I was about 15 years old.
When Ronald moved to San Francisco we started walking around Chrissy Field and having a donut and coffee or a meal about once a month.
I miss those times.
I miss Jane very much. She was interesting to talk with and fun to be around (I felt good being around her because I felt special, knowing she did not take to nonsense and idle chatter easily.
It's unusual to call someone you meet in these elderly years, a "friend". I consider Jane a friend and, of course, I wish I knew her much longer.
So saddened by the loss.
An enthusiastic friend,
Todd Miller

Ann Freimuth

March 17, 2025

My deepest condolences to the many family & friends who knew, loved & respected Jane for her kindness, her goodness & her deep sense of justice. May her life be for a blessing.

Craig Mole

March 15, 2025

Deeply missing my dear new friend who welcomed me with open arms and a welcome grip into our mutual new home "The Sequoias". Rest in peace dear Jane.

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