Jane Clare Sheehan DeFuria
February 11, 1922 - August 11, 2007
Obituary
Jane Clare Sheehan DeFuria died on August 11, 2007 at the Sunrise Assisted Living of Bellevue, WA. She was born in Ludlow, Illinois on February 11, 1922 to Vera Brown and Edward Sheehan. She attended the University of Illinois for two years. While home on a visit, she met Captain Pete DeFuria who was stationed at Chanute Air Base in Champaign, Illinois. They married in 1942.
In 1954 Jane and Pete with their first three daughters, moved to Seattle, eventually settling in the Rainier Valley, where two more daughters and a son were born. They were foundational members of St. Paul Catholic Church for over 50 years. Jane was a CCD teacher, a Eucharistic minister to the elderly and with Pete, sponsored First Communicants. Jane loved being part of a community whether it be taking home-made meat loaf sandwiches to the Martin de Pores Homeless Shelter each month, being in a dinner club for over 30 years or participating in a prayer group with her friends.
She wore her Irish heritage with a wide shawl of pride and her Catholic mantle with unquestioning faith. Above all else, she loved Pete. She will be remembered for her long blessings at meals, her storytelling, her gracious hospitality, her ability to look good at all times, her ready laughter, her corn beef and cabbage on St Paddy’s Day, and her uncanny memory for faces, birthdays and grand children’s collections.
Jane is survived by her beloved brother Edward and his wife, Barbara; her six children Janie Champoux, Nancy Fischer, Romey Principe, Kathleen Callero, Diane DeFuria, and Michael DeFuria; her grandchildren Chris, Mark and AnneMarie Champoux, Sarah, Dan and Katie Cote Fischer, Connor, Mary and Clare Principe, Nic, Emmy, Patrick and Sam Callero, and Nicole and Michayla DeFuria; and great grandsons Austin and Gracen Champoux.
The family gratefully thanks the dedicated and loving staff at the Sunrise of Bellevue and the Providence Hospice of Seattle. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the St. Martin de Pores Homeless Shelter in Seattle.
Jane’s funeral is Thursday, 08/16 at 10 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church, 5600 S. Ryan in Seattle. Visitation will start at 3:00 PM Wendesday, 08/15 with Rosary at 7PM at the BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd ., SeaTac, WA.
We are sharing in your sorrow here in Illinois. But, we are remembering so many things about your mom. Especially her smile and laugh. And the fact that she did always look good! love to you all.
To my lovable sister, Jane, an Irish toast: “May sister Jane & my acquired brother Pete be in heaven before the devil knows they are gone.”
To her offspring that are a prime example of humanity & citizenship and her grand & great grand children, Barbara & I are with you in spirit though the miles and age separate us. God Bless
We here at The Lakeshore are so sorry for your loss.
We were blessed to have Pete & Jane as residents here.
They will always be remembered as warm, loving people.
May the many, many memories of them sustain you through this difficult time.