Jane Aldridge Crosby, 92, passed away from complications of a recent stroke, surrounded by loving family members on November 9, 2012.  Until slowed down by a disabling stroke four years ago, Jane was a tireless activist on behalf of numerous community, patriotic, and political causes.  After spending much of her youth in Pine Valley, California, Jane had a wonderful 51 year marriage with Joe (SPHS '37), who she met while both attended South Pasadena High School.

Jane maintained her own secretarial service, and was active in numerous community affairs while raising her two boys in the Crosby's spacious Grand Avenue home.  She assisted in the family business, California Liquid Fertilizer Co.  As it prospered, she became active in patriotic and conservative Republican politics.  In the mid-60s she and Joe were instrumental in making the United Republicans of California an influential force in California Republican politics.  Jane was recognized for her many volunteer activities, including receiving the South Pasadena Business and Professional Women's Club Woman of the Year, the South Pasadena Distinguished Citizen, and the George Washington Honor Medal-Freedom Foundation Valley Forge.  In 1986 Governor Deukmejian appointed Jane as State Chair of the California Bicentennial Commission on the U.S. Constitution.  She and Joe were Delegates and active in numerous state and national Republican Party conventions.  Jane was a positive influence on all who were fortunate to know her.  Even after a disabling stroke in 2008 she was a resource for political education to residents of the Covington in Aliso Viejo. 

Most important to Jane was her family.  She is survived by her sons Scott (SPHS '60) and Bill (SPHS '63); her nieces Kathi Blanchard and Betsy Thomas, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

South Pasadena Review, December 5, 2012 and Los Angeles Times, November 14, 2012