Jane Margaret Cleveland, 82

Jane Margaret Cleveland, our dear Aunt Jane, went home to the arms of Jesus on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005. She was 82 years old.

At Jane's request, no memorial service will be held.

Aunt Jane was born April 29, 1923, in El Paso, Texas, the youngest of seven children. She spent a happy childhood in Dora, N.M., where she played several sports. Jane graduated from Portales High School in 1941.

Soon after, Jane and her sister moved to the Bay Area and worked in the shipyards building ships for the war effort during World War II.

Jane then attended nursing school in El Paso, Texas, at the Hotel Dieu. She soon met and married Leo Cleveland. Leo and Jane moved to Alaska where Leo worked on the pipeline as a cook.

After Leo retired, he and Jane moved to Colville, Wash., to be closer to family. They spent many happy years together before Leo's passing in 1988. Jane moved to Willows, Calif., after Leo's death to be close to her sister, Virginia, and brother-in-law, Howard. She lived for several years in John F. Kennedy Manors in Willows before moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, in the spring of 2002.

Jane enjoyed visiting with people (she never met a stranger), reading, working with stained glass and loving on her "boys," Nicholas and Butch. She also loved listening to big band music, especially Glen Miller. Jane was one of the most generous people on earth and would do anything to help anyone.

Jane Cleveland is survived by her sister, Virginia Smith, and brother-in-law, Howard Smith, of Pinckneyville, Ill., She is also survived by her sister-in-law Karen Cleveland and brother-in-law, C.D. "Cleve" Cleveland of Sandpoint. Jane leaves behind nieces Staci Cleveland, Terri Sturdevant, Jackie Cleveland, and nephew Mark Cleveland and their families, all of Sandpoint, and niece Lisa Hull of Helena, Mont., and nephew, Randy Cleveland of Oregon and their families. Jane also leaves behind many dear friends and neighbors from around the country, especially Becca Palmer of Sandpoint, and the Russell family of Oroville, Calif.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee and Habby Jane Hall (McMillen), four brothers and one sister, and her dear husband, Leo. Aunt Jane will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bonner County Humane Society via Friends of the Shelter.