Jane Ellen Leeson-Jackson, (1949 - 2018) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let Jane be forever in our hearts.

69 years old
Born on April 5, 1949 in Big Rapids, Michigan, United States
Passed away on September 20, 2018 in Federal Way, Washington, United States

This memorial was created in honor of Jane Ellen Leeson-Jackson of Federal Way, Washington.

Jane was born on April 5, 1949 in Big Rapids, Michigan and died on September 20, 2018 at the age of 69, at her home in Federal Way. Her death was due to cancer.

Jane’s parents were Robert Edward Leeson and Ruth Eileen (Wilkinson) Leeson of Baldwin, Michigan, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Geoffrey Jackson.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the Normandy Park United Church of Christ in Normandy Park, Washington. All are welcome to attend. Rather than purchasing florist shop arrangements, please consider memorial contributions to the following organizations or to the charity of your choice:

- University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance
- Normandy Park United Church of Christ Music Program
- Jump Into Music

Jane was loved by many and will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Please see the Life page for some of the highlights of her life. You can view some pictures on the Gallery page. More pictures will be added, so please visit this memorial again.

You are welcome to add memories on the Stories page.

Tributes

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September 4, 2021

You have been on my mind lately Geoff and now I see why. I remember when you told me your mom had brain cancer. Now you have lost your wife to cancer as well. Life can be so cruel. I'm so very sorry

April 5, 2021

Jane,
I think of you on your birthday.

April 5, 2021

Janie, I think of you often. Our time in Ann Arbor together and all of the years when we were physically apart but emotionally as close as ever mean so much to me. We could have been sisters.

January 1, 2019

This is the link to a video recording of Jane's memorial service. It was captured via cell phone and the church's wifi to a YouTube live stream, so there are some video glitches and the sound quality is somewhat uneven. But the entire service is recorded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWEnDPI2qJU

November 12, 2018

When I was the Chaplain at Valley Medical Center, Jane did her music practitioner intership. It was a challenge to set it up because of all the red tape, but she did it. She was a blessing to the patients, families and staff.

November 11, 2018

This is sad news.... She left us much too soon..........!

November 10, 2018

How I will miss seeing Jane sitting in front of me every week in the Rainier Symphony, playing flute and clarinet duets, visiting in person and on the phone, and other things that good friends do. She helped me feel more at home in a new orchestra, and cheered me up when I had an injury that kept me from playing my clarinet for a few months. I will always remember the good times we had.

November 9, 2018

Jane was an incredible human being. She was caring, kind, and phenomenally dedicated to everything she did, especially as a musician. I am so grateful that she was in my life almost from the time I moved to Seattle about 20 years ago, and I will miss her more than I can ever say.

November 8, 2018

Jane was a very kind and talented person, she will be missed by all. Our sincere condolences.
Tim and Janet Jackson

November 7, 2018

We are so sad to learn of Jane's passing. She was a lovely person and marvelous musician! She will be sorely missed!

November 6, 2018

Our sincere condolences on Jane's passing. As Jane's Area Coordinator at Music for Healing and Transition Program, I was honored to work with her. Jane was a bright, funny and amazingly talented therapeutic musician. She will be missed very much. Hugs to all of you in this time of sorrow.

November 6, 2018

Jane was a cheerful, generous, skilled, and purposeful music colleague. Her quiet good humor and energy fed all of us. Though I knew her for only a short time, I'll miss that and remember her fondly.

November 5, 2018

Dear Friends,
The memorial service for my wife, Jane Leeson-Jackson, will be this coming Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. The location is:
Normandy Park United Church of Christ
19247 1st Ave S
Normandy Park WA 98148
All are welcome to attend.
I will set up a YouTube live stream for the service. I’ll be using my cell phone, so it depends on getting a good cell signal at the church. The stream will be titled “Jane’s Memorial” and located here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjKUwLdddmLs6aps2pYg71A?view_as=subscriber

October 30, 2018

Condolences from Brett and Dara、very sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. She will be deeply missed by many members of SGI-USA、Highline District.

October 28, 2018

We were blessed to be neighbors of Jane and Geoff's in Federal Way. I often got to hear Jane's beautiful flute music from our home. This always brought a sense of comfort and joy for me, reminding me of the years when I played the flute in school. Jane was always a kind, friendly neighbor. She always took a moment out of her day to chat and see how we were doing. I admired her zest for life and music, even in retirement! Praying for comfort for her friends and family.

October 16, 2018

I'm so sorry to learn of Jane's passing. She was a wonderful musician and Friend. I met Jane through the SGI Nichiren Buddhist community about 20 years ago when we both chanted and performed several times for Buddhist events at our beautiful Culture Center in SeaTac. I introduced Jane to the MHTP and I was delighted when she became a CMP. Jane had a big and caring heart, which she lovingly shared with everyone who was fortunate to hear her play her flute. I'm chanting for her eternal happiness, and for Geoff and family. NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO.

October 13, 2018

We met Jane in the fall of 2011 when our 10 year-old daughter decided she wanted to play the flute. Grace has autism and for three first few weeks of band, she couldn't grasp how to get a sound out of her flute. In desperation, I called a local music store and asked for recommendations for a private flute teacher. Jane was such a God send for our family. She had experience with special education students and was the perfect match for us. Under Jane's instruction, Grace's musical skills improved and Grace played in the school band and sometimes church orchestra throughout high school. Jane also taught Grace piano. She was so patient and kind. I hope we were able to convey to her what a blessing she was to our family. Music gave Grace a way to belong to a group and was her social connection through her school years. Grace had her last lesson with Jane in June and we were shocked and saddened to learn of her passing. I feel sure she is making beautiful music in heaven now. We are praying for comfort for her family.
David, Kay, and Grace Chung

October 11, 2018

I never heard Jane play the beautiful music that was so dear to her, but I always witnessed her smile. She had a very generous and kind spirit and it was always on display whenever we would meet. I'm so very glad I had the of privilege of knowing her, if even as a neighbor for all these years.
Prayers for her friends and family.

October 7, 2018

Jane Leeson was a wonderful person..and I considered her a friend during our years at the U of M. I have good memories of our time in the Symphony Band...including the 1971 European Tour...She will be missed.. My sincere condolences to her family..

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Recent Tributes

September 4, 2021

You have been on my mind lately Geoff and now I see why. I remember when you told me your mom had brain cancer. Now you have lost your wife to cancer as well. Life can be so cruel. I'm so very sorry

April 5, 2021

Jane,
I think of you on your birthday.

April 5, 2021

Janie, I think of you often. Our time in Ann Arbor together and all of the years when we were physically apart but emotionally as close as ever mean so much to me. We could have been sisters.

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Gallery

A flower for your birthday. May your day in heaven be beautiful.

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Her Life

October 6, 2018

Jane's home town was Baldwin, Michigan.She started piano lessons as a little kid and a few years later started flute lessons.Although Baldwin is pretty much out in the woods (her father was a forester) it is near Interlochen, and Jane was able to participate in summer music programs there. The area offers many outdoor recreational activities, so Jane was able to spend summers on Big Star Lake water skiing and canoeing. She also went out cross-country skiing with her parents.

After graduating from Baldwin High School, Jane left for Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Music and did additional work to obtain teacher certification. While living in the Los Angeles area, she earned a Music Therapy degree at Cal State . Jane worked in the California state hospital system as a music therapist. Although she followed a few different career paths, she always thought of herself primarily as a musician.

When Jane moved to the Seattle area, she worked in public schools teaching music and also worked as a group home counselor. She later worked for banks as a policy and procedure communication specialist, developing policies and materials to support operations and compliance.

In 2001, her parents, Ruth and Bob, moved to the Seattle area to be near her. After one enjoyable year, Ruth suffered a stroke. Jane spent a lot of time caring for her parents over the next several years as they declined and eventually passed away.

Jane had many rich music performance experiences. In the 1990s she performed on recitals with pianist Joel Salsman as he brought to life the music of many Pacific Northwest composers. These recitals are archived in the University of Washington Music Library. Gloria Swisher composed a trio for Joel, Jane, and violinist Matthew Weiss, which they premiered in a 1993 performance.

Jane was a member of several community orchestras, most recently the Rainier Symphony. She was active in many chamber music groups, including Women in Music International when it was founded. Jane worked with innovative and experimental composers on works ranging from musicals for young people, one of which she conducted, to new works for small opera companies.

The Gallery page includes a music section. There you can find three pieces she performed with Kevin Peterson, piano and organ:

- Sado - Gloria Swisher
- Sonata - J.S. Bach
- Sonata - Poulenc

The recital date was 19 May 2017 and the location was Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma, Washington. The reverberation you hear is the natural sound of that sanctuary space.

This story is in progress. More will be added, so please visit again.

Eulogy - 10 November 2018

April 3, 2019

Jane was a musician. She was many other things over the course of her life, but music was always at the core of her soul. Many here first met Jane through music, watching her perform with a variety of orchestras, bands, chamber music groups, recitals, and here at Normandy Park United Church of Christ. And some of you participated with her in making music.

Jane was born on April 5, 1949 in Big Rapids, Michigan and died on September 20, 2018 at the age of 69, at her home in Federal Way. Her death was due to cancer.

Jane’s parents were Robert Edward Leeson and Ruth Eileen (Wilkinson) Leeson of Baldwin, Michigan, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Geoffrey Jackson.

Jane grew up in the small town of Baldwin, Michigan, about 70 miles north of Grand Rapids. When asked about growing up in Baldwin, one of her friends said “None of us did a whole lot because there wasn’t that much to do.” But, despite living pretty much out in the woods, they really did have some good times.

Jane was an only child, but had cousins and friends who got together and played marathon Monopoly games with detailed financial records. They put together jigsaw puzzles and played Flinch, because they weren’t allowed to use “real” playing cards. Jane was a mighty fine roller skater who knew how to do skate dancing moves at the roller rink. In the winter, the City of Baldwin flooded a vacant lot to form an ice skating rink. Jane had real figure skates and her mother, an excellent seamstress, made her a skating outfit modeled on the one worn by Olympic champion Carol Heiss.

Friends remember that Jane was away a lot of the time. Her musical talent was recognized at an early age, and her parents drove her to weekly flute lessons with the Grand Rapids Symphony principal flutist. The drive was about an hour and forty-five minutes each way. There were other long drives for competitions and music festivals. Even in the summer when spending time at the family cottage, where family and friends got together, Jane always had her flute and took time out for her musical studies.

After graduating from Baldwin High School, Jane left for Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Music and did additional work to obtain teacher certification. She was a member of the U of M 1971 European Tour Concert Band. They took off from Detroit on May first, played concerts in England, Germany, Italy, and France, and returned to the United States for a May 29th concert at Carnegie Hall. In 2008, the band organized a reunion which Jane was able to attend. The connections, after 37 years, were still strong. The genuine respect and affection these musicians had for each other, and the pride in what they had accomplished together, was clear.

While living in the Los Angeles area, she earned a Music Therapy degree at Cal State. Jane worked in the California state hospital system as a music therapist.

Jane and Geoff met in ballroom dance classes. Jane had a very amusing story about how that happened and Geoff has a somewhat different story. After they put their stories together in marriage, their combined story lasted for 29 years, seven months, and two days, until Jane’s death.

Jane had many rich music performance experiences. In the 1990s she performed on recitals with pianist Joel Salsman as he brought to life the music of many Pacific Northwest composers. Those recitals are archived in the University of Washington Music Library. Gloria Swisher composed a trio for Joel, Jane, and violinist Matthew Weiss, which they premiered in a 1993 performance.

Jane was a member of several community orchestras, most recently the Rainier Symphony. She was active in many chamber music groups, including Women in Music International. Jane worked with innovative and experimental composers on works ranging from musicals for young people, one of which she conducted, to new works for small opera companies.

If you really wanted to see Jane smile, all you had to do was show up with a flat of annuals and a bag of potting soil. She loved working on the potting bench and putting together arrangements for the porch and the deck.

After living for a few years in a house with a shaded, sloping front yard in which nothing but moss would grow, Jane came up with ideas for a landscape design which would always have something in bloom or at least a few spots of color. Eventually, after talking to a few landscape designers at the annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show, she made her wish come true. She worked with a designer to come up with a plan, and the trucks rolled in with large dark basalt rock, trees, shrubs, and Cedar River Compost.

Today, the camellias are in bloom and the Kinnikinnik bushes are full of vibrant red berries. The hardy fuchsias are still in bloom

Jane was a sailor. Growing up in Michigan, she spent a lot of summer days on small lakes where her parents and other family had cottages. She and her cousins went out water skiing, canoeing, and sailing the little Snipe. Later, after she met Geoff, she was in larger sailboats exploring many destinations in the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound. It’s a beautiful area for sailing, especially in the summer when the days are long, the temperatures warm, and the winds are moderate but steady.

But even when they were out in the fall and winter, when the rain was coming down sideways and the Catalina 27 was nearly knocked down by a strong gust in a gale, Jane never complained. She was always ready to go out again. And when they sailed in for a club rendezvous after getting hit by a squall which started with heavy rain and ended with snow and sleet, she was just beaming, happy to see her sailing friends.

In 2001 Jane’s parents, then in their 80s, moved from Michigan to Federal Way to be near her. They had one really good year together, then Jane’s mother suffered a stroke. Over the next ten years, Jane gave much of her time to caring for her parents as they went through many changes resulting from declining health. It was frustrating, time-consuming, and sometimes emotionally draining, as many here know from their own experiences. But Jane was always there to support them and care for them.

In recent years, Jane was able to pursue certification as a practitioner in the Music for Healing and Transition Program. These practitioners provide therapeutic music for body, mind, and spirit in clinical and long term care settings. She developed an interest in this area in part based on her experiences caring for her own parents.

Jane continued to develop musically, looking for ways to perform at the highest possible level. She was always willing to try new ways to learn. Jane participated in master classes, seminars, and private coaching. One of her favorite events was the annual Pender Island Flute Retreat, a week-long event led by an international faculty that includes principals of major professional orchestras. At the 2018 retreat, she felt great satisfaction from playing well for the faculty, even though she had to leave early after learning of her cancer diagnosis.

We have lost someone we loved. Jane was loved by many and will be dearly missed by her friends and family. We feel great sorrow for the life that was lost, but gratitude for the life that was lived and that we were fortunate to share.

In words from I Corinthians,

There is nothing love cannot face. Love bears all things, endures all things. Love will never come to an end.

Remembrances - 10 November 2018

April 3, 2019

Jane – Remembrances

Some of these messages were sent when people learned of Jane’s illness and others after they learned of her death.

We loved spending time with Geoff and Jane and should have spent more time. Jane has a wonderful laugh that I can hear in my head as I type this and I am smiling just thinking of it.

Jane -Sailing in the rain, what more can I say. We live in the Northwest and it rains! I always admired when you and Geoff would come in actually SAILING in your weather appropriate clothing and smiling and having fun. We shared wine (lots of it) and wonderful laughs with both of you.

Here's to you Jane and Banana Samba! May the wind always be there for you!

Kelly and Jim Hettinger

Sandy and I remember you two as wonderful friends from CATSS. My memory is of the two of you coming in on your 27 dressed up in foulies, faces red from the wind and cold and always happy. We always looked forward to seeing your boat approaching a cruise location. In fact, the photo that has been the wallpaper on my work computer all these years has your boat at Dock Street Marina right in the middle. That photo still cheers me today. Lots of fond memories from that special time in our lives. Thank you for all of them.

Tom and Sandy Brosius

One of my fondest memories of Jane is one day while visiting us --- she asked if it would cause too much noise (or something like that ) if she shut the door to the bedroom and practiced her flute. I love the flute and she was a talented musician. I think I told her she could practice her music any time in our home but Please leave the door open. I don't think she did -- but I listened to as much of it as I could.

Virginia Doherty

Emma Greer

I was late-in-life to find my cousin Janie, but the 20 or so years we had together were grand. We had the Leeson past in our lives and we clicked from the start. She was a great gift to me, as she was to many others. She shared unstintingly with those she had in her orbit, both in person and through her wonderful music.

As another only child we both knew the expectations of parent care, but Jane really ran it up the flag pole! Her care of her “folks” was truly beyond measure! Though Jane wasn’t one to speak of love in flowery ways, she lived her love every day.

Her laugh is very present in memory, as is her spicy little sense of humor. Jane found stuff to laugh about often. Her humor was quick and often unexpected. She was a smart girl!!

It was so obvious that music inhabited Jane’s very soul, even in the drudgery of daily practice. She taught, she shared, she mastered her art and so many benefited from her gifts. I was often in awe of what she could make come out of that silvery tube!

Play on, Dear Jane, in the spheres.

Kathy Leeson

She was a wonderful musician and Friend. I met Jane through the SGI Nichiren Buddhist community about 20 years ago when we both chanted and performed several times for Buddhist events at our beautiful Culture Center in SeaTac. I introduced Jane to the MHTP and I was delighted when she became a CMP. Jane had a big and caring heart, which she lovingly shared with everyone who was fortunate to hear her play her flute.

Rachel Greenspan

David, Kay, and Grace Chung

Two only-child girls found each other as first semester freshmen at the University of Michigan and we stayed together for the next four years. Together in everything.

Since our graduation she had her music and I had my art and we both followed our paths, happy and secure in the fact that we had both made the right choice for our life. Our lives were parallel in more ways than mere chance would suggest. Living in many different locations, taking care of our parents at the end of their lives, and the fact that cancer touched both of our lives.

Although we lived thousands of miles apart after Ann Arbor, each time we talked it was as if we were still roommates, as if we had last talked just days before. We had a friendship that was based in love and respect that endured for 50 years. I will never forget her.

Toni Flint

I am not sure where the time goes but I do remember the ‘good old days’ at U of M with great fondness and especially the wonderful Symphony Band Tour to Europe. I have seen pictures from the tour and they bring back such happy memories. I was sad not to make it to the reunion several years ago but understand that you were there. I so wish that I had gone, since I would have loved to have seen you and our colleagues again.

I certainly remember all of us sitting in the flute section with Revelli glaring down at us, that steely look in his eyes, filling me with trepidation! But at the same time he inspired us to give our very best and for that, I’m so grateful. And I felt your calm presence so reassuring too. We did all have a good time, didn’t we?

Nancy Ruffer

Today, I, along with all the members of the European Tour Symphony Band learned of your illness. Words cannot express my sorrow upon learning about this. We are all in tears!

Even though we have not seen each other for nearly fifty years, we are still members of the Michigan Band family. What a bonding music is! It is amazing that incidents from that tour are still clearly etched in our minds. Playing in Venice, in front of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, when the tide water flooded the plaza.

We were part of something special—something that unites us forever. Music is something so special. It is part of our soul.

Joe Dobos

I have not stayed in touch with many people from the band, but I did consider Jane a friend. Geoff, you have been fortunate to be married to such a good and talented person.. I have positive memories of the people who made that tour and remember Jane as a solid and "down to earth" and conscientious member of the flute section. She has a lot to be proud of. It wasn't easy!!

Miller Sigmon

I recall seeing the two of you at the reunion several years ago. We did have a chance to talk for a bit. I always enjoyed Jane's wonderful smile and personality. She is a wonderful person. I'm sure you feel fortunate to have her for your wife.

Andrew Drelles

We are especially grateful to Jane for her outpouring of love for Bob's mom. After she'd had the stroke and we knew she would not recover, Jane hopped on a plane to Michigan, brought her flute, and played beautiful music for Margaret to comfort her. Jane also brought a CD of beautiful piano music to play in her room, which we still play. Those generous gifts of love and kindness continue to touch us today! Jane is a very special lady!

We also marvel at the energy she put into caring for her parents! She did so much for them to make their final years meaningful and making them feel the full power of her love! She was so dedicated! We have the utmost respect for her dedication when it was a huge challenge and for the grace YOU showed through all of the challenges! God bless you both! That was not easy!

Bob has many happy childhood memories of growing up together & time at Big Star Lake!

We enjoyed the times we spent together visiting you in Seattle and your gracious hospitality, and when you took us out on the sailboat. Breathtaking!

Bob and Cathy Hankes (pronounced Hank-us)

Jane was a very fun-loving, easy-going person to work with professionally, and I always loved her sense of humor and her willingness to adapt as necessary to make whatever project we were working on succeed. And then more recently our mutual SGI Buddhist practice made us a little closer as well, and I will miss her dearly.

Chris Chalifour

Shari Muller-Ho

Jane was a cheerful, generous, skilled, and purposeful music colleague. Her quiet good humor and energy fed all of us. Though I knew her for only a short time, I'll miss that and remember her fondly.

James Whitehead

After a first run through of the prelude to Wamba (a shadow puppet piece we did in the Cornish theatre) it had jelled and everyone looked around at each other shocked (happy shocked).

And Jane said - "your music never looks like it sounds!" We all laughed and I think that thought of hers never changed, yet she was always game to try the next few operas and other works we did together.

Jay Hamilton

Jane wasn't only a valuable musician in the orchestra, but I truly feel her administrative/logistical role was pivotal in me finding my footing. Her encouragement, oversight, and enthusiasm for Rainier's success was inspirational to me; and the support she seemed to show me from day one is something I will continue to cherish.

Jeff Lund

Playing with Jane and Joel was a very important part of my musical life and I enjoyed working with her very much. I'd like to think that she and Joel are already working on some duets in the celestial realm.

Matthew Weiss

Thank you for treating a dorky high school senior like a partner and a friend. For playing at church so many countless hours. And of course for the fun, laughter, and joy of your friendship and the pleasure of music-making over the years. The gifts you’ve shared with me will live on.

Kevin Peterson

We all appreciate your love of music and your graciousness in playing for the choir and church services, the concerts at Wesley Terrace, the second hours with Danette, and the services in the outdoor sanctuary. The Christmas seasons when you played the Galway arrangements will always be in my heart – the lightness and the joy. And your duets with Kevin.

You have meant a lot to the church, the choir, and all the groups you have played with – and to me especially. Friends at church and through music. Thank you for sharing your musical gifts with us.

Alice McGregor

My Sister-in-Law

December 4, 2018

I finally decided to post my thoughts even though I think that they sound really dorky.

It has been almost 30 years since Geoff told me that he was getting married, I was so surprised and I wondered who was she and how on earth did she manage to get him to talk for more than 2 minutes! She was an absolute joy and delight. It turned out that Geoff and Jane were perfect for each other. The way that they treated one another, by all of the little things that they did spoke volumes of their love for one another. They were so cute together. Geoff would go hmmmm, and they would look at each other and smile. They shared music and sailing, hiking and traveling, gardening and taking care of elderly parents. I think that at one point between them they had learned everything about elder care in the states of Washington and Illinois.

I will miss talking to her on the telephone, Geoff would call me on his way home from Costco (Jane and I would joke that it was his favorite store) and then Geoff would give the phone to Jane or put it on speaker and we would visit. Mostly just talking about what was going on that day.

I will miss Jane and the joy that she shared with Geoff. I know that she is now in Heaven keeping watch over Geoff and playing and singing with the Celestial Choir. All that we have to do is to be still within and we will hear her yet once again.

University of Michigan Symphony Band - 1971 European Tour Reunion

October 9, 2018

Download

Jane spoke many times of the Symphony Band tour. In 2008, we attended the second reunion of the members of the tour band. It was a really great group of people. And it seemed like the stories she liked to tell about the tour were actually true. And the respect and affection they all had for Dr. William D. Revelli, the band director, was really heartwarming.

The attached M-Fanfare newsletter includes a story and pictures of the reunion. See pages 1,4, 5, 6, and 7. Click on the PDF icon to read the newsletter.

Roommates Forever

October 7, 2018

Two only-child girls found each other as first semester freshmen at the University of Michigan and we stayed together for the next four years. Together in everything.

Although we lived thousands of miles apart after Ann Arbor each time we talked it was as if we were still roommates, as if we had last talked just days before. We had a friendship that was based in love and respect that endured for 50 years. I will never forget her.

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