November 14, 1947 - February 17, 2024
Obituary
November 14, 1947 – February 17, 2024
“Your faith, your family and your gardening enthusiasm have always been an inspiration to me. Your friendship is very dear and a blessing.” ~Esther R
Jane, beloved wife of 52 years to David Stockert, treasured mother, mother-in-law and grandmother to daughters Clare Ross (spouse Chad Ross and son Luis) and Katharine Stockert (spouse Greg Goldstein and daughter Grace), adored sister to Laurie Weckel (spouse Kirby Dahman (deceased), son Will, daughter-in-law Hannah and granddaughter Sophia) and Howard Weckel III (daughter Elizabeth), passed away at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, WA on Saturday, February 17th.
Born in Chicago, IL on November 14, 1947, first child to Bernice Hamilton Weckel and Howard Weckel Jr., she grew up in Elkhart, IN, graduating from Elkhart High School in 1965, Ball State University ( B.S. Elementary Education) in 1969, and Oakland University (M.S. Education) in 1971.
Jane and her beloved Dave married on April 3, 1971 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Elkhart. Soon after, Dave was drafted into the army, and was called to serve at The Presidio in San Francisco, during the waning years of the Vietnam War. Enchanted by the natural beauty of the West Coast, Jane and Dave decided to make their life together in the West, moving to Tacoma, WA in 1973, and permanently settling in Seattle, WA in 1985.
The basic biographical details of life do not offer a proper accounting of Jane’s fortitude, diligence, trail-blazing, and thoughtfulness. For someone as petite in size as Jane, she was larger than life, inspiring many – especially her husband and daughters – with her strength of character, courage, deep commitment to her faith and community service. Throughout her life, she worked to make this world a more informed, beautiful and loving place.
Jane began her teaching career in Detroit, MI, and completed it in Seattle Public Schools, most recently at Whittier Elementary School, where she taught for many years. Early in her teaching career, Jane realized that learning to read was the key to her students’ future academic achievement, so she sought professional accreditation as a reading specialist, and then dedicated herself to teaching hundreds of children to read, launching them as life-long learners.
Motivated by her love for all of God’s creation and desire to share the Good News, Jane volunteered in numerous ministries with her beloved Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Magnolia – as Children’s Church School Coordinator and teacher, initiator of an adult bible study group (now in it’s eighteenth year), Vestry member, Lay Reader and Lay Eucharistic Minister (whose ministry is to deliver Holy Communion and companionship to parishioners unable to attend church in person).
An essential aspect of Jane’s deep faith was her passion to care for the earth. She was endlessly curious about the natural world, striving to be the most thoughtful steward of the gifts she’d been given. In addition to maintaining her own beautiful flower beds and fruit and vegetable gardens, each summer, at least one weekend per month, Jane volunteered as a Master Gardener, offering expert gardening advice at local nurseries, for many years at Fred Meyer in Ballard. Recently she was awarded a special pin for her 40 years of dedicated service.
Known for setting a high bar for entertaining – and making it look effortless – Jane always prepared just the right amount of food (often made with ingredients from her own garden), beautifully presented, with attention to details that made every guest feel welcome and included.
Jane loved international travel and adventure. Closer to home, she especially thrived on the hiking trails and ski slopes near the cabin that she and Dave built. Some of her happiest hours were spent sitting on the cabin’s deck, curled up with a good book, a faithful pup snuggled nearby, surrounded by the mountains she so loved.
In recent months, friends and family from across the country wrote to Jane to express their love and gratitude for her impact on their lives:
“I remember thinking Uncle Dave and Aunt Jane were the trailblazers. We wanted to follow your example and plant our family, our hearts and our souls out west. And here we are!” ~Jack S.
“I’ve always been so grateful for your leadership on hosting and inviting me to a church newcomer’s dinner at your house.” ~LaShon
“I remember I learned from you how important it is to write and mail notes and cards. Mom loved your notes. I know because I read a few and saw how they made her so happy.” ~Maryann
“You wrote the most compassionate note when my mother passed away ten years ago that I still remember. You are a generous and wonderful person and I am very grateful to know you. Joyous, caring, thoughtful and always willing to help others describes you.” ~Lisa
“You are a ‘standup woman’.” ~Dottie H.
“I will never forget how much you did for my family when we first came to Seattle. You were always so patient and kind with all my children. You taught us all so much. Your strength, resilience, courage, and will are inspiring.” ~Anna
“Your kindness and acceptance as we arrived in San Francisco set a standard for friends. You have fought an incredible fight; as always an example to be admired.” ~Patsy
“I think about the fun times at the lake. Watching you water ski was a treat for me. You were so graceful.” ~Rita W.
“We were lucky to have those good years teaching children’s worship.” ~Patty B.
”You were my big sister. The one I followed and always wanted to make proud. Throughout our lives you showed us how to live with integrity. Now you have shown us how to live into our deaths with dignity and grace.” – Laurie W
A memorial service will be held at Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Magnolia on Saturday, April 6th at 11 am. Flowers may be sent or donations in her name to her legacy program at Episcopal Church of the Ascension.
