Jane P. Poole, 89, wife, mother, grandmother and devoted friend, died peacefully in Scottsdale, AZ on January 12, 2017 with family members at her side.
Jane lived a life filled with laughter, love and smiles. Indeed, her smile was her trademark, something she never lost even during her decade long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
A proud third generation Californian, Jane was born October 7, 1927 in Oxnard, CA to Abby Lyman and Howard Fay Pressey, a citrus rancher. Growing up on a ranch instilled in Jane a lifelong love for animals and nature. She graduated from Fillmore H.S. and attended Pomona College before leaving her beloved California to earn a Bachelor of Science in Retailing from Webber College in Florida.
She returned to Los Angeles for a retail career, but soon was compelled by her adventurous spirit to move across the country with two friends to experience life in New York City. It was there she met her husband-to-be, Tom Poole. She loved to tell the story of how they met on a double-date, each set up with the other person, and how she was not initially impressed. But Tom soon won her heart with his quick wit and love of poetry.
Jane and Tom raised their two daughters in Princeton, NJ, where for 54 years they created a loving, welcoming, home before retiring to Scottsdale in 2014. Jane’s real and abiding passions were her family and friends. She was the neighborhood mom; quick to offer a smile, a helping hand with a coat zipper, or even breakfast to the many kids who were always at their home. She worked in Financial Aid at Princeton University for ten years; was President of Chapter AE of PEO, an international sisterhood dedicated to women’s education. She was particularly proud of her work with the adult literacy program at the Princeton Public Library.
Jane is survived by her husband of 61 years, Thomas of Scottsdale, AZ; two daughters, Joanne Reese (Steve) of Scottsdale, Grace Ellen Benn (Alex) of Los Angeles; two granddaughters Abby Meredith Benn and Caroline Jane (CJ) Benn; two step-grandsons Steven Reese, Jr (Leah), and Matthew Reese (Sara) all of Tennessee; her brother Lyman Pressey (Carolyn), of Clovis, CA; and many family and friends.
The family welcomes contributions in Jane’s memory to a charity of your choosing. Gifts may acknowledge Jane’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, her commitment to adult literacy, her love of animals, or simply pass along the gift of a smile. Her family gratefully thanks you for any remembrance.