Jane Catherine (Coles) Shafer Obituary (1929

Jane, a woman of great heart, fierce loyalties, and strong opinions, began her life in August of 1929 at Fort Sill Army base in Oklahoma. As the eldest child of an Army Colonel, she developed an early affinity for rules, so much so that when her father forbade her to wear lipstick before he shipped out to serve in WWII, Jane didn't touch the stuff until he returned 5 years later, despite by then being 18 and the only one of her girlfriends who didn't wear it. Mike Coles wouldn't care much about lipstick, but he was crazy about Jane Sather. The couple met through a mutual friend in 1950 and by 1951 were married. Jane had disliked the constant change of the army brat lifestyle, and was happy to settle down to married life with Mike on Mercer Island, where they lived for 33 years, raising their two children, developing a wide circle of friends, taking ski trips to Sun Valley, and attending every UW Football home game they could. She and Mike retired to Poulsbo in 1993, where they built their dream house and where she has lived for the last thirty years, surrounded by close friends, family, and a beautiful view of the water. Following Mike's passing in 2002, Jane rekindled an old friendship with Dan Shafer, who had also lost his spouse, and the two married in 2004. She was a proud mother, an even prouder Gramma, and felt so fortunate to become a great grandmother in 2019. Her first great granddaughter is named after her. Unfailingly polite, she sent a thank-you note to little Jane's parents when she heard the news. She loved holidays and traditions, and had the perfect card for any occasion. At Christmas, it was easy to spot which gifts were from Jane; they were the most beautifully wrapped ones under the tree. Her 4th of July BBQ was always a hit, complete with games, fireworks, and colorful dishes that inspired wonder. She loved spending a cocktail hour sipping gin martinis with her friends any day of the year. She was an excellent cook, kept a beautiful garden and a spotless home. She liked to drive little red cars. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting, and needlepoint. She will be dearly missed. Jane is survived by her husband Dan, children Cathy Allen (Roger) and Bill Coles 9Claudia); her beloved granddaughters, Beth Harris (Cody), Amy Olivier (Lou), Grace Bagley (Spencer); and sister Carol Lodmell. Funeral mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Mission in Suquamish at noon on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to St. Olaf's Society of Vincent de Paul (address is 18943 Caldart Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370) or the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary in Poulsbo, Washington.