Jane Whitehill Fraser, 78, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at her home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
She was born on May 14, 1946 at the Naval Academy hospital in Annapolis, MD to Arthur Frank and Henrietta (Marrow)Whitehill. LCDR Whitehill was a career Naval officer, so Jane and her family moved to Newport, RI, Pearl Harbor, HI, Northbrook, IL and finally to Seattle, WA where she graduated from Queen Anne High School.
After a couple of years at Whitworth College, Jane decided to enter the work force, and became a long-distance telephone operator with Pacific Northwest Bell, where she enjoyed a 25-year career, advancing to Engineering Technician while living in Medford, OR. The Chief Operator of Unit Nine encouraged Jane to finish her college education, so while working full time she completed a BA in Education at Western Washington University. Following her phone company career, Jane worked for Whatcom County Planning as Secretary to the Planning Commission, a records clerk for the Skagit County Auditor and the best job of all, Administrator Assistance for Washington State Parks’ Region office in Burlington.
Jane wasn’t so lucky in love; two husbands and 22 years later, she found herself single and happily ensconced in the square dance world, in Bellingham, WA where she met fun people and danced many a happy hour in three counties. The pain of arthritis finally brought dancing to an end.
Animals were always a big part of Jane’s adult life. She had many dogs, a few cats and always wanted a horse. She got her first horse, a Haflinger horse named Basil when she was 42. She learned to ride dressage, but Basil was hers for only eight years, passing in 1995. She had Joe, a paint horse from 2008 to 2016. Undaunted, she purchased another Haflinger named Jouri who along with her dog Shiloh and cat Archer are the loves of her life.
Jane was an active volunteer for Hospice of the Northwest after retiring in 2013 from the State Parks. She was also an active member of Edison Lutheran Church in Bow, WA where she was a member of Altar Guild and the Music and Worship committee.
Jane is survived by many lifelong friends that will miss her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Henrietta; brother, Allan “Wind” Whitehill, uncle, Sam Crago; aunts, Helen Crago.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00, on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Edison Lutheran Church, 14201 Church Rd., Bow, WA. Jane’s final resting place will be with her family in Flemington Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Georgia next to family. Share your memories of Jane and sign the online guest register.
Jane was my neighbor for many years, always enjoyed my visits with her across our fence, that & my greeting Shilo when she would come to the fence for my love pats to her head as she would greet me when I was hanging my clothes on the line to dry or weeding under the fence. Lovely service for Jane at her church. Now she can rest in heaven with her family.
I met Jane a few years ago at the NW Therapeutic Riding Center, where we both have served on the Board. She also had given her beloved Harlinger, Jouri, to the Center for a career as a therapeutic horse. This is just a small example of Jane’s boundless generosity and love for others. She exuded love and light, had a marvelous outlook on life, a grand sense of humor and endless positivity. I know that everyone who knew her will greatly miss her in this world.
Jane and I met when I interned in the Communications Office at Western. We became friends through a love of dance and found ourselves frequenting community dances and taking dance lessons.
Jane was a kind and wonderful person and friend. She loved with her whole being. She was full of light. I loved her stories about life, love and her family (pets too). I am grateful for the time I had with her and that she was my friend.
Jane was a rare and wonderful person and an enduring friend. She didn’t do anything by halves… She supported my daughter when she was in theatre, not only by attending her shows but also by auditioning and securing a singing and dancing role (she referred to herself as the Dancing Lime and created a stir by customizing her own costume.) She was my best friend and greatest advocate when we both worked at WWU University Communications. I treasured Jane. I know she’s singing and dancing with the angels now, but I miss her.
My husband and I enjoyed square dancing with Jane over a number of years. She was always upbeat and fun to be with. My condolences to her family.
Jane was a dear and close friend I worked with at state parks. She had a heart as big as the outdoors and a great sense of humor. I helped Jane with many construction projects and was always up early with coffee for me and the crew. I will miss her very much!!! Miss you Jane. Your good friend. Bob