Jane Middleton
1935-2023
Jane Middleton passed away peacefully at 4:40 a.m. on July 29, 2023 in the comfort of her own home, with a family member holding her hand. Born on July 30, 1935 in Sharptown, New Jersey, Jane was a warm and loving friend and family member. She had a special ability to make everyone she conversed with feel like they were the only person in the world she was concerned about. Jane had a particular love for children and created wonderful memories with her many nieces and nephews.
Jane obtained a Bachelor’s degree in biology at University of Alaska, Fairbanks and a Master’s Degree in Science at Eastern Washington State. She had a successful career in education, teaching high school math and science. She first taught in Homer and later at West High in Anchorage. After retiring, Jane returned to Homer to provide care for her aging mother. She also worked with The Center for Coastal Studies, Oil Spill Cleanup, the Pratt Museum, Islands and Oceans, and the Research Reserve.
She is survived by three siblings: Pamela (Steve) Hooker, Jeff (Janet) Middleton and Cynthia Graham, all of Homer, and sister in law Joyce Middleton. She is also survived by the following adoring nieces and nephews: Anna Middleton (Nick), Avery of Anchorage, Abby Middleton of Homer, Tracy (Jerry), Katie and Aiden Houser, of Palmer; Collette (Bryan) Berna of Bremerton, WA; Heidi Shafford and Erin Bezzeridies of Portland; Eric (Leslie) and Austin Shafford, Ruby and Elias Allen of Homer; Russell (Shallah), Harry, Jasper and Stewart Graham of Baltimore, MD; Joe (Stephanie) Graham, Bau and Landon of Grand Junction, CO; Lisa (Warren)and Emma Magnuson of Homer; Aurielle (Sam), Wayne and Blake Newman of Anchor Point; Robert Mansfield of Lakeview, WA. She is preceded in death by her parents: Henry and Lulu Middleton of Homer; three siblings: Henry Middleton, Jr. of Homer; Herbert Middleton of Homer; Timothy Middleton of Palmer, Alaska.
Jane found her place of worship in the outdoors, where she saw God in all facets of nature. She attended Homer Methodist church. Jane pursued a wide range of hobbies and activities enjoying writing, gardening, knitting, sewing, bird watching, hiking, skiing and sport fishing, spending time with children of the family.
A memorial will be held at Homer Methodist Church 770 East End Road at 4:00 pm on August 18th, 2023. A reception will follow at the church.
There is a fund at McNeil Canyon Elementary School being collected in Jane’s memory for purchase of science books for the children. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the following:
McNeil Elementary School, Attn: Joy Overson, 52188 East End Road, Homer, AK 99603.
