In Memory

Jane Sheldon (Pearson) - Class Of 1937

Jane Sheldon (Pearson)

Jane Sheldon Pearson passed away March 8, 2012 at the age of 92.  She lived a long, fulfilling life devoted to children, family, country, dear friends, literature, and Frank Sinatra.

Jane was born May 26, 1919 in South Pasadena to Alice and Charles Sheldon.  She attended school there and kept in touch with many of her classmates throughout her life.  Her love of literature was fostered in the halls of South Pasadena High School.  She graduated in 1937 and went on to attend UCLA where she joined the Chi Omega sorority, studied education, and received her teaching credential.  Jane was hired by a UCLA sponsored education program in Etiwanda, California and served as principal of the elementary school during World War II.

In Etiwanda, she met a handsome sailor, Bill Pearson, who courted her on the back of his motorcycle and swept her off her feet on the dance floor.  They were married in 1945.  Jane cherished the years in Etiwanda where she raised her daughters, Nancy and Cindy, amongst the orange and lemon groves.  The family moved to Big Bear where Jane taught at North Shore Elementary from 1964 - 1986.  After retirement, Jane supervised student teachers at Cal State San Bernardino for the Bear Valley Unified School District.

Jane's last years were spent in Del Mar near her eldest daughter, Nancy, who visited her daily and provided entertainment and unfailing companionship.  Her other daughter, Cindy, supplied fodder for lively discussion on politics, books, and current events.  Jane also lived near her sister, Nancy Moore, whom she considered her very best friend.  The two Sheldon sisters were known to break into song at the slightest reference to "Frankie" and spent many a moment recounting childhood memories.

Jane is survived by daughters Nancy Johnson (Arthur) of San Diego and Cynthia Gates (Bill) of Pacific Grove; three grandchildren; her sister Nancy Sheldon Moore (SPHS '39); and four nieces.  She was predeceased by her husband, William G Pearson in 1990.

Big Bear Grizzly, March 28, 2012