Jane Mortimer
Jane Gage Mortimer, a wife, mother and friend, passed away Aug. 4 after a two year battle with cancer.
Jane was born on Nov. 23, 1924, to Henry and Henrietta Gage in Indianapolis, Ind., where she met Bill, her husband of 59 years. They lived in Indianapolis until he was called back into the Navy in 1951.
They returned to Indianapolis in 1954, moving to California in 1955 with brief residencies in San Francisco, Pacific Palisades and Laguna Beach in 1961.
In 1970-72, they lived in Wilton, Conn., and Philadelphia, returning to Laguna Beach in 1974 where they remained until 2001 when they moved to Dana Point.
Mortimer worked as a homemaker and community volunteer all her adult life. She lent her leadership to city committees, the hospital and the Assistance League.
In 1982, Mortimer co-founded Sally`s Fund, a Laguna Beachbased non-profit that provides transportation assistance and cultural enrichment to the town's elderly under contract with city officials, and continued to work with that organization for 25 years, only recently retiring. She also spent many hours serving meals in Heisler Park to the less fortunate. Mortimer was a very loving and selfless person, who had a passion for others and a very generous spirit.
The couple enjoyed travel and took many trips around the world.
Mortimer also was an avid gardener, lover of nature and animals large and small. She was devoted to her family and her God. She lived a life of giving, caring and loving. Those she touched throughout her life will remember her.
She was preceded in death by her son Bill. She is survived by her husband Bill; son John Mortimer and wife Jodi of Grass Valley; daughter Liza Bowen and her husband Mike of Encinitas; daughter Anne Mortimer of Rocklin, Calif., grandchildren Heather Ludwig, Leslie Kelly and Stephanie Teagues; great grandchildren Katelynne, Garrett, Cole, Kai, Peyja and Lilliana; daughter-in-law Diana Townsend and sister-in-law Abby Jean Scarpulla.
The family expresses deep appreciation to Mortimer's loving caregivers, particularly Vicente Franco.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Sally`s Fund.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. at St. Mary`s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Avenue, in Laguna Beach.
