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Jane Willet Obituary

She was an extraordinary force in everyone's life that had the good fortune to spend time with her; and all of us who did so are better people as a result. Jane Knowles Willet, beloved wife and mother peacefully passed away on May 3, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jane is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Don; son, Bruce Brown; daughter-in-law, Debi Gardner; brother, Jim Knowles; and many nieces and nephews. Jane lived a full life and will be remembered as a generous and loving wife, mother and friend. Jane considered herself a wealthy and fortunate woman as a result of all the wonderful people that were part of her life. During her five years of cancer treatment, she enjoyed wonderful support from her many friends in Newport Beach and in the desert. One wish Jane had was that she hoped she had given back half of the love, laughter, compassion, companionship and fun that she received from those that she loved throughout her life. A fourth-generation Californian, Jane was born in San Francisco to Josiah Knickerson and Jane Thomas Knowles, a long-time, well-established family in the Bay Area. She attended the Sarah Dix Hamlin School in San Francisco a private boarding school - the Madeira School for Girls in McLean, Va. In 1956 she was presented as a San Francisco debutante. She attended San Francisco City College and The University of Colorado, Boulder where she pledged the Delta Gamma sorority. Jane received a degree in sociology in 1972 from Dominican College in San Rafael. Marrying in 1960, Jane had son Bruce Brown in 1965; divorced in 1968 and married the love of her life, Don Willet, in 1975. They lived in Marina del Rey until moving to Orange County in 1980. Don and Jane lived in Palm Desert for the past three years. Jane had a wide range of hobbies and volunteer interests to which she devoted time and passion. These included Republican politics, golf, bridge, sailing, ice skating, and tennis. She loved to travel and had made several wonderful trips in recent years with her dear friend, Diane. There will be a Celebration of Life on June 5, 2010 at 10:30 AM. Please call 760-568-9311, ext. 223 for more information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Desert Cancer Foundation - In memory of Jane Willet, 74091 Larrea St., Palm Desert, CA 92260, www.desertcancerfoundation.org

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

Published by The Desert Sun from May 29 to Jun. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane Willet

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4 Entries

Earl Brown

May 23, 2022

Janie, I still think of you often with such great memories. You enhanced my life and those of Bruce, our son with your kindness and good spirit. Rest in peace my wonderful friend and ex-wife.

Earl Brown
Santa Barbara, CA
[email protected]
May 23, 2022

June 11, 2010

Janie - you always were the bestest pal and most trusted friend a guy could ever have, and I'm glad you had such an interesting, productive and happy life. God Bless you.

Your loving ex-husband, Earl Brown

laurie kittredge

June 1, 2010

I was saddened and shocked to see Jane had passed.I did her hair for many many years and after her cancer was in remisson and her hair grew back we had a great time giving her a new style.She was truly one of my favorite clients and became a friend as well.She was a mentor to me through many topics from boating to husbands and yes her humor was wicked.I greatly missed her when she moved to the desert and regretfully lost touch.when she moved she gave me a beautiful Brighton Heart keychain.I just wish i would have had one last conversation with her.Sending my condolances to you Don.She spoke very warmly of you and how you were so good to her through her cancer treatment.

Rob Kish

May 29, 2010

I'm a volunteer at the cancer center where Jane received her treatment. She was a truly lovely lady with so much dignity and courage. We had many wonderful conversations and she had wicked sense of humor. I'll miss her.

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