JANE ELLEN SHUMAKER PARSONS LAWS

Reflections on a Full Life, Admirably Lived

Jane Parsons Laws peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 3, 2016 after a brief illness.She lived an active and involved life for nearly a century, never losing her courage and determination to meet each day with hope and a smile while accepting the challenges presented to her. To those who knew her, Jane had an indefatigable and positive energy that, combined with her strong and independent spirit, motivated her to live her life on her terms and to enjoy the many days and years of good health and happiness she was given as an active 'Senior.'

Jane was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 25, 1919, a member of "The Greatest Generation" whose lives and families were significantly affected by the deprivation of the Great Depression and the sacrifices demanded of them throughout the years of World War II.She grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and eventually moved to Wichita, Kansas, where a friend of hers arranged a blind date to introduce her to Rollin C. Parsons, the third of six brothers from Manhattan, Kansas.With Jane's blond hair and willowy grace and Rollin's 'movie star' good looks, they made a very handsome couple, and ultimately married on May 11, 1940, just as the German blitzkrieg began in Europe, and fears of the United States' involvement were heightening in earnest.Their first child, daughter Sally, was born in 1943, and as war efforts escalated, and like so many young men of his time, Rollin and his brother Kenneth voluntarily left their jobs and families to serve their country, both enlisting in the United States Navy.

Rollin and Kenneth served with distinction in the Pacific, and when Rollin was discharged, the young Parsons family returned to Wichita, where daughter Susan was born in 1946, followed in 1949 by son George.An opportunity presented itself for Rollin and Jane to pull up their Midwestern roots and follow the dream held by so many war veterans- to move to sunny Southern California!They chose to settle in the city of Burbank, home to several big name film studios, and so began their years of watching their children grow and thrive in a community that was then truly like the one portrayed in the hit television show, "Happy Days."

As was common in her day, Jane never had a paying job outside her home, but the values held by those of her time—personal responsibility, duty, honor, and faith—inspired the contributions she made to her family, her community, and her country and cannot be calculated in dollar amounts. She firmly believed that her 'work' should be dedicated to creating a stable and happy home for her family and to parenting her children, and she truly enjoyed and was accomplished in the arts of the home.Jane was a good cook and a talented seamstress, making many special occasion dresses for her daughters, countless Halloween costumes, Drill Team uniforms, and precious doll clothes.She faithfully volunteered once a week at St. Joseph Hospital's gift shop, and was active in the charitable and fundraising activities of its guild, assuming several leadership roles.And the Parsons home was the 'go to' place for the neighborhood kids who all appreciated Mrs. Parsons' kindness, and loved her chocolate chip cookies made-from-real-lemons lemonade.These were indeed 'Happy Days.'

After their three children graduated from Burbank High School, and later, each from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Jane and Rollin relocated to Pasadena, where they were active at San Gabriel Country Club, enjoying their times together on the golf course, especially those in Hawaii, their favorite travel destination.Having always loved learning, Jane regularly took classes at Pasadena City College, and earned A's on most of her papers and tests!She also had a fierce interest in politics, keeping track of the issues of the day and relishing both party conventions every 4 years. She regularly worked at her polling places for many years, considering that it was her civic duty and an opportunity to be a part of American government in action.

Sadly, Rollin passed away in 1986, leaving her without her best friend and soulmate, but with unflagging resiliency and energy for life, Jane determined to fill her days as she always had--taking classes, continuing to drive to Burbank to volunteer at St. Joseph (all told, over 40 years of service), attending many theatre productions at the Los Angeles Music Center, and some travel.She loved books and literature, and especially enjoyed her English class' annual trip to Ashland, Oregon for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.She began painting in watercolor, and continued her interest in photography.Her photos of the beautiful San Gabriel golf course fairways and greens regularly graced the cover of the monthly newsletter.

In the early 90s, Jane became acquainted with a Pasadena neighbor and fellow San Gabriel Golf Club member, Charles ('Chuck') H. Laws.Like Jane, Chuck had lost his life partner, and they began what their families referred to as a 'formal courtship.'They married and were very happy 'living life'—summers spent at the E Bar L guest ranch in Missoula, Montana, visits to La Grulla near Ensenada, Mexico, traveling with Tauck groups, and every night almost without fail, challenging each other to games of dominoes.Chuck prided himself on his mastery of the game, and was proud that Jane was often his equal. Their marriage was happy and loving, and a blessing to both of their families.

Upon Chuck's passing, Jane decided to move to Regents Point, a wonderful retirement community in Irvine, California.She fit the description of the residents as "active intellectual Seniors' to a 'T', and true to form, began participating in the many activities, events, and travels offered to residents.She especially enjoyed the exercise classes, and was a regular at the bridge and bingo tables even in her final days.

Jane leaves her family of which she was most proud:Sally Varricchione (Louis), Susan Hill (Arthur), and George Parsons (Kathy), her grandchildren Alissa and Derek, Katie and Elizabeth, and Blake, Ross, and Jonathan, and five great-grandchildren.Jane's family is most grateful to Regents Point and its staff for the happy years she spent there and especially to her givers for helping make her final days comfortable and peaceful.

A Remembrance Celebration of the Life of Jane Parsons Laws will be held at Regents Point on Saturday, January 28th at 10:30 AM.