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Rosemary Jane Stavely
January 26, 2017 – September 26,2017
Jane, the eldest child of Donald and Leonore Waldowski, was born in Webster, South Dakota on January 26, 1947, and she passed through the veil on September 26, 2017 in Louisville Colorado, after a long struggle with Early Onset Alzheimer's.
Jane grew up in Webster and graduated from the local high school. She played the clarinet in the school band, had the lead in many plays and musical performances, was chosen as homecoming queen, and before the days when women played sports in high school, she was on the cheerleading squad.
Jane attended college at South Dakota State University where she earned a degree in vocal music. While attending school there she was selected as Ms. SDSU, was a runner up in the Ms. South Dakota pageant, and performed at the Black Hills Playhouse located outside of Custer, South Dakota. She attended the University of South Dakota for graduate school and earned a Master's Degree in Music.
Needless to say, music was a big part of her life as she was a singer in a rock and roll band, performed for the USO in places like Greenland, and sang in a number of church choirs.
Jane married Bill Williams in 1975. They had three children together, William D. Williams (Alisa) of Golden, Colorado, Benjamin J. Williams of Boulder Colorado, and Gretchen L. Williams (Christopher) of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, at least until the recent hurricanes.
After her marriage dissolved she met John Stavely and after two years of dating they married in June of 1990. Jane graciously and with open arms accepted John's son Sean Stavely (Paula), into the family. She loved Sean as if he was her own.
Jane's major passions in life were children, especially her own, music, and God. She combined those and seemed to be at her happiest when she was the Director of Children's Choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder, Colorado, where she led choirs and drama performances for the children of the church. Jane had one of the most beautiful smiles and had sparkling eyes. She led a full life, rollerblading, kayaking, playing tennis, and playing the piano and her infamous accordion. She would show up anywhere and everywhere to play the accordion and sing Happy Birthday, He/She is a Jolly Good Fellow, and You Are My Sunshine.
A close friend, when hearing of Jane's passing, wrote these words: "Jane's suffering has come to an end. For those of you who knew Jane, you will remember her as an energetic, effervescent, loving woman." So true.
Jane is survived by John, Billy, Benjamin, Gretchen, Sean, brothers David Waldowski (Nancy) and Toby Waldowski of California, sister Becky Waldowski of South Dakota, and five grandchildren, Gemma and Weston Williams, and Daniel, Sophia and Mariana Stavely.
A celebration of life service will be held in honor of Jane's life on Saturday October 14, 2017, at 3:00p.m., at Ascent Community Church, 550 S. McCaslin Boulevard, Louisville, Colorado.
The family is especially appreciative of the loving care provided by the staff at Balfour Cherrywood, Louisville, Colorado, and by the staff at TRU Hospice.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org, or TRU Hospice, 2594 Trailridge Drive, Unit E. Lafayette, Colorado 80026.
Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Crist Mortuary & Cremation and Mountain View Memorial Park.
October 15, 2017
John and family, I have the fondest memories of Jane! Whether we were walking the trail or working together at 1st Pres, she would "light up" the outdoors or the room! What fun it was to work with Jane when she led the children's musicals! She was exceptionally talented, creative and ambitious to pull together an entire musical in one week, coordinating with the drama and scenery! I truly loved working with her and have missed her very much. She loved her family dearly. May your good memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Daun Layman (Ocala, FL)
October 10, 2017
Jim Martin
John, we have known each other for almost 50 years and we have both watched each other's life unfold in some happy and deeply painful ways.
The time we last talked about her she was ready to once again be home, whole and complete.
Oh I can still her yelling out your bedroom window early in the morning as I ran by your house.
We will all join her soon enough, when we are home, when we are free!
Love ya
JIm Martin
October 9, 2017
Fern OBrien
John:
I am so sorry for your loss of Jane to such a cruel disease. My thoughts and heart are with you.
October 9, 2017
Friend
Penny Dumas
Dear John and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Jane's passing.
I met Jane when I moved to Boulder in 1998 and joined The Harvest House Tennis Club. She was my first tennis partner for leagues here. We had so much fun together on the courts. What a talented player she was, and so patient with her error prone partner!
Soon after, she broke her thumb while roller blading with her kids. After surgery her thumb healed in a way that she could no longer grip her racquet as she had before. Being the athlete that she was, it didn't stop her. She learned a totally different serve that delivered a wicked counter intuitive spin which gave her an additional weapon against her opponents.
I will miss her twinkling eyes, her boundless energy, and the warm conversations we used to have about raising our children.
Penny Dumas
October 7, 2017
Dennis Unkenholz
I am so sorry to hear of Jane's death. I met Jane while in college where we were zoology lab partners. She was not sure she enjoyed zoology but she did well and was fun to have in class. I recall the pageant where Governor Nils Boe crowned Jane Miss SDSU. She was so excited she gave him a big hug and kissed his cheek. Being a bachelor, Gov. Boe was not used to that much excitement! After Grad school, my wife and I moved to Webster where we met Jane's family. Even though I have not seen Jane since college days I recall her pretty smile and outgoing personality. I am keeping Jane's family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
October 5, 2017
Friend
Alan and Jean Friedberg
John and family,
Jean and I were sorry to read of Jane's death, but know that she's in a better place than she has been for a while.
We have such fond memories of her love of life and family and were happy when you and she and your families got together. The South Dakota connection between Jean and Jane was a special treat for Jean. Jane has been, and will be, missed. Our condolences.
Jean and Alan
October 5, 2017
John,
Lisa and I were sorry to hear about Jane's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts.
Bruce and Lisa Joss
October 4, 2017
Stacy Margolin
Dear John,
I am so sorry for your loss, and for all of the lost time with Jane. I hope you will find comfort from your family and friends. As with so many of us in Boulder, Jane and I had a number of 'intersections' in our lives: Orthopedics; our kids; The Meadows. Life! I will always especially remember those locker room discussions, and Jane's feistiness and determination. I send love to you and to your family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts.
October 4, 2017
Friend
Micki Larson
Dear John, you have my deepest sympathy. I remember how my daughter and all the kids in Janes 1st Pres choir loved her. She was always a bright light in this world, and kind to everyone. I know what losing a wonderful spouse feels like....so hard! You and the kids will be in my heart and thoughts. Micki Larson
October 4, 2017
Kathie Ayala
Dear John and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss, you will all have that beautiful guardian Angel watching over you!!!
Please know my heart is with you and with Jane's family, she sounded like a "one of a kind!" With those beautiful memories may you always find joy!
Sincerely,
Kathie Ayala
October 4, 2017
Kathie Ayala
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
October 4, 2017
Bill Nesheim
John, we're sorry to hear of your loss and will be thinking of you and your family in the coming days and months. Bill & Candy.
October 4, 2017
John, I know that Jane meant the world to you and that the two of you helped balance each others lives.
Thinking of you
John and Jan Shively
October 4, 2017
Connie Champ
Jane was a true and special friend. We shared many happy times together playing tennis and rollerblading. The two years my father-in-law lived with us Jane and Gretchen came over dressed up in old bridesmaid dresses and sang happy birthday to him. These are memories I will always treasure. I love you Jane.
October 3, 2017
Acquaintance
RoxAnn Mack
John, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jane was such a sweet lady.
October 2, 2017
Betty Lewis
Remembering Jane from high school! A fun, bubbly girl! So sad to hear of her passing!
Beba Bancroft Lewis
October 2, 2017
Linda Scott
Jane was the most loving, energetic woman as well as her music talent was a gift so beautiful, I loved to hear her sing.
Jane was a faithful friend and she always made my life full of joy, no matter where or when we would get together. She will be missed so much, but heaven is so full of her beautiful music once again.
She may be in her favorite kayak singing for all to hear.
My husband and I love her dearly.
Linda & Scotty Scott
October 2, 2017
Joyce Anderson Nokleby
Jane was a wonderful person to know. Was the age of her younger siblings, but she was a strong influence on those around her. Community, church, or where ever, if her name was mentioned, you had warm memories brought up. God has her in His arms, and in the shared faith we had, she is a whole person. So listen for those singing notes, she for sure will be sharing! Joyce Anderson Nokleby
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Crist Mortuary & Cremation and Mountain View Memorial Park3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, CO 80301
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